THE  ROBERT   E.  COWAN  COLLECTION 


I'K  KSKNTl.cn    TO    Till. 


Accession 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

15V 

C.  P.  HUNTINGTON 

JUNE.   1897.- 

6   Class  No..?..1 


REGOLSTEIN, 


A  COMEDY 

• 
» 

Translated  and  altered  from  the  French  text  of  the  Buffoon  Opera, 

"ThE  GRAND  DUCHESS  OF  GEROLSTEIN,  " 

By  H.  Meilhac  and  L.  Halevy. 


•  BY  JOHN  S.  HITTELL, 

AUTHOR   OF 

A  BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  CULTURE,"  "THE  RESOURCES  OF  CALIFORNIA. 
ETC.,  ETC. 


SAN  Ffc  AN  CISCO: 

A..ROMAN&CO.     . 

•       1878. 


REGOLSTEIN, 


A  COMEDY 


Translated  and  altered  from  the  French  text  of  the  Buffoon  Opera, 

"THE  GRAND  DUCHESS  OF  GEROLSTEIX," 

By  H,  Meilhac  and   L.  Halevy. 


BY  JOHN  S.  HfTTELL, 


AUTHOR    OF 


;<A  BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  CULTURE,"  "THE  RESOURCES  OF  CALIFORNIA," 
ETC.,  ETC. 


SAN  FRANCISCO: 

A,    ROMAN    &    CO., 

1878. 


TRANSLATOR'S  PREFACE. 


Col.  Kurtz  and  Marks  are  the  only  characters  which  I  have  added 
to  the  list  in  "The  Grand  Duchess."  The  scenes  between  the  Grand 
Duchess  and  Grog  and  the  Grand  Duchess  and  Fritz  at  the  beginning 
of  the  Fourth  Act,  are  mine.  The  minor  changes  in  the  plot  and 
dialogue  are  numerous,  but  it  is  not  necessary  to  mention  them  here. 

The  translation  of  the  songs  of  the  Grand  Duchess,  are  copied  from 
the  text  as  published  in  Boosey  &  .Co.'s  edition. 

J.  S.  H. 
SAN  FRANCISCO,  March  15,  1878. 


CHARACTERS. 

Grand  Duchess  of  Regolstein. 

Iza,  Olga,  Amelia  and  Charlotte,  her  maids  of  honor. 

Nepomuck,  her  Aid-de-camp. 

Baron  Puck,  her  Prime  Minister. 

General  Bourn,  Commander  of  her  Army. 

Col.  Kurtz,  His  Chief  of  Staff. 

Fritz,  a  Private  Soldier,  afterwards  General. 

Marks,  a  Private  Soldier. 

Prince  Paul,  Betrothed  to  the  Grand  Duchess. 

Baron  Grog,  embassador  of  Prince  Paul's  Father. 

Wanda,  Betrothed  of  Fritz 

Soldiers,  Peasant  Girls,  etc. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1878,  by  JOHN  S.  HITTELL, 
in  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


OF 

UNIVERSITY 

ACTL 

SCENE  I.— A  military  camp,  with  tents. 

KURTZ — Entering  at  the  middle  left.  Here  comes  General 
Bourn.  He  can  tell  me  whether  there  is  anything  in  these  rumors. 

BOUM — Entering  at  rig?it  rear.  You  have  heard  the  glorious 
news,  Colonel  ?  Advances  and  takes  his  hand 

K — I  have  had  no  official  information. 

B — The  Princess  has  declared  war  against  the  Prince  of  Dick- 
bauck  Coburg.  He  crosses  to  the  left. 

K — That  means  work  for  us  ! 

B — Excitement !  Triumph !  Glory !  Who  thinks  of  the 
work  ?  He  crosses  to  the  right,  rubbing  his  hands. 

E — Aside.  Not  those  who  never  do  any.  Aloud.  Is  it  to  be 
an  offensive  or  a  defensive  campaign? 

B — Offensive.  We'll, chop  them  into  mince  meat.  He  draws 
his  sword  and  cuts  the  air  ivith  it.  How  soon  can  you  be  ready  to 
march  ? 

.    K — In  a  week. 

B — That  will  do.     I  depend  on  you. 

K — I  suppose  we  will  leave  about  the  fourth  of  our  troops  in 
garrison,  so  as  to  have  a  force  to  fall  back  upon  in  case  of  disaster. 

B — Not  a  man  !  We'll  take  them  all  with  us.  I  want  every 
man  to  witness  my  triumph.  I  would  take  the  civilians  along,  too, 
if  I  could.  He  goes  out. 

K — If  that  old  tool  has  his  way,  we'll  be  ruined.  \  et  if  I  made 
any  complaint  to  the  Grand  Duchess  or  Baron  Puck,  I  would  be 
cashiered.  All  the  influence  is  reserved  for  the  nobility. 

Enter  Fritz  and  Marks. 

FRITZ — Good  morning,  cousin. 

K — Good  morning,  Fritz.  Have  you  kept  your  promise  about 
the  books  ? 

F — No  ;  I  hate  them,  and  I  have  no  time  for  study  when  I'm 
off  duty;  the  girls  always  want  my  attention. 

MARKS — Frirz  is  a  devil  of  a  fellow  among  the  girls.  They 
are  all  in  love  with  him.  Even  the  Grand  Duchess  noticed  him. 
Her  chambermaid  told  me  her  Highness  said  he  was  the  hand- 
somest soldier  Fhe  had  ever  seen. 

K — Aside.  I  wonder  whether  anything  is  to  be  made  out  of 
that. 

.M — Come,   Fritz,    Wanda   and  Kate  are  waiting  for  us. 

K — Fritz  will  soon  follow  you.  I  want  to  speak  with  him  for 
a  few  minutes. 


Marks  goes  out. 

F — Now,  cousin,  don't  keep  me  long. 

K — Have  you  ever  been  where  the  Grand  Duchess  could  see 
yon? 

F — Yes,  I  have  carried  messages  to  the  palace  several  times  for 
General  Bourn. 

K — Did  you  ever  deliver  any  message  to  her  in  person. 

F — Yes,  several. 

K — Did  she  notice  you  ? 

F — I  thought  she  looked  a  second  time. 

K — I  will  have  several  messages  to  send  to  her  Highness  to- 
day, and  I  want  you  to  carry  them.  Be  as  neat  in  your  dress,  and 
as  polite  in  your  manner  as  you  can 

F— What's  up  ? 

K — The  Grand  Duchess  is  a  young  and  giddy  woman,  and 
Baron  Puck  takes  care  to  let  nobody  save  dried  up  old  men  or 
that  simpleton  Prince  Paul  come  near  her,  and  she  might  take  a 
notion  to  admire  you. 

F — That  would  not  do  me  any  good. 

K — Let  me  manage  the  matter.  Tell  me  everything.  Do 
nothing  without  my  advice,  and  don't  blab. 

F — Anything  to  please  you,  especially  if  you  will  secure  that 
promotion  to  Corporal  for  me. 

K — You  shall  have  it,  and  more.  How  soon  can  you  be  here 
to  c^.rry  a  message  for  me  to  the  Palace  ? 

F — In  an  hour. 

K — I  shall  expect  you.  Aside.  Its  hoping  against  hope,  but 
it  can't  be  worse.  Other  Princesses,  that  have  ten  times  as  much 
sense  as  the  Grand  Duchess,  have  fallen  in  love  with  common  sol- 
diers before  to-day. 

Kurtz  goes  out  at  the  right  rear  ;  Wanda  enters  at  left  front. 

WANDA — Oh,  Fritz  !  Your  departure  makes  me  miserable 

F — Don't  grieve.  I'll  come  back  with  promotion  and  better 
pay. 

W — But  maybe  you'll  be  wounded,  or  even  killed?  Gan't  you 
get  the  General  to  make  you  stay  here  in  the  garrison  ? 

F — No  indeed,  he  hates  me. 

W— Why  ? 

F — Because  you  love  me. 

W — I'll  ask  for  you. 

F — Then  I'll  be  certain  to  go.     Here  he  conies. 
Enter  Bourn.     Wanda  goes  out. 

B — Women  in  camp  again  !  I  must  stop  this  license. 

F — Aside.     There  is  the  old  meddler. 

B — Soldier,  have  you  no  respect  for  discipline. 

F — Not  enough  to  keep  out  of  love. 


B — None  of  your  impudence.  Have'nt  you  learned  that  when 
you  speak  to  your  General,  you  must  indicate  your  obedience. 

F — My  General  asked  me  a  question  about  human  nature,  and 
I  answered  it  truthfully  with  all  respect  and  obedience  to  my  com- 
mander. 

B — I  ana  afraid  that  notwithstanding  your  show  of  politeness, 
you  are  disposed  to  be  unruly. 

F — You  say  that  because  Wanda  hates  you  and  likes  me. 

B — What  do  I  care  about  Wanda  ? 

F — She  told  me  all  about  it. 

B — Aside.  The  little  blab.     Aloud.  There  was  nothing  to  tell. 

F — I  only  know  what  she  told  me. 

B — She  wants  you  to  believe  that  all  the  men  are  in  love  with 
her  ;  women  all  tell  such  stories. 

F — Young  women  have  bad  taste;  they  like  young  soldiers 
better  than  old  generals. 

B — If  you  are  not  more  respecttul  I'll  put  you  in  the  guard 
house. 

F — I  don't  care. 

B — I  will  have  you  shot 

F — That  would  be  wicked 

B — You're  a*0"bad  soldier. 

F — I'm  a  handsome  fellow  and  you're  not.  That's  what  galls 
you. 

B — Shut  your  mouth. 

F— I'll  keep  on  thinking. 

B — I  never  gave  a  thought  to  Wanda. 

F — Even  thoughtless  people  can  run  after  women. 

NEPOMUCK—  Entering.     [To  the  General']     General— 

B — Tell  me  that  you  announce  the  approach  of  the  enemy  ; 
tell  me  some  news  that  will  inspire  my  martial  soul  with  joy. 

N — My  message  is  from  the  Grand  Duchess  ;  she  requests  me 
to  say  that  she  will  be  here  within  an  hour  to  review  her  army. 
She  wishes  to  have  a  tent  erected  for  her  in  the  midst  of  the  camp. 
He  goes  out. 

B— Soldier  Fritz  ! 

F— Aside     Always  Fritz.    Aloud.    Sir? 

B — Mount  guard  here.  Permit  nobody  to  cross  this  line  with- 
out the  countersign.  Points  out  two  stations. 

F — Mount  guard  out  in  the  sun  ? 

B— Do  you  want  to  stay  in  the  tent  ? 

F— What  am  I  to  guard  ? 

B — The  site  of  the  Grand  Duchess'  tent. 

F — Oh,  I  see  ;  it  might  run  away. 

B — I'll  give  you  a  lesson  one  of  these  days  about  talking 
back  to  your  General. 

F — I  hope  somebody  will  give  a  lesson  to  my  General  about 
thinking  forward. 


6 

Bourn  goes  out. 

F — That's  a  nice  way  for  a  General  to  treat  a  poor  soldier  who 
can't  talk  back.  I  can't  comprehend  these  generals,  neither  can 
the  girls.  They  like  epaulets,  feathers,  and  buttons,  but  those  are 
not  enough.  No,  indeed.  They  like  amiable  young  men,  whether 
they  have  buttons  or  not.  And  then  the  grum  old  General  teases 
the  lucky  young  soldier.  That's  always  the  way,  and  always 
was,  and  always  will  be. 

WANDA — Entering.    Attention. 

F — Turning.    Attention  it  is. 

W— Well,  here  I  am. 

F — And  here  I  am. 

W — What's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

F — I  am  on  guard  and  must  not  leave  this  place.     Discipline. 

W — Pettishly.    Stay  there  then.     Starts  to  go. 

F — Stop.    Drops  his  musket,  runs  after  her  and  brings  her  back. 

W — What's  to  become  of  discipline? 

F — We'll  have  the  rules  amended.  No  discipline  when  alone 
with  a  pretty  girl. 

W — Why  didn't  you  come  to  me  at  first 

F — I  may  be  shot  for  abandoning  my  post. 

W — There's  nobody  to  see. 

F — Looking  round.  That's  so.  We  must  not  waste  the  oppor- 
tunity. He  hugs  her. 

W — Stop.    That's  contrary  to  discipline. 

F-^-I'll  take  my  chances.    Kisses  her. 

W— You'll  be  shot. 

F — Not  till  I  take  another  kiss.    Kisses  her  again, 

BOUM — Entering.     Hallo !     Is  that  the  way  you  obey  order   ? 

F — Picks  up  his  mmket,  paces  to  and  fro.  I  took  Wanda  to 
represent  the  tent  of  the  Grand  Duchess. 

B — And  I  suppose  you  would  be  willing  to  mount  guard  for- 
ever with  her  ? 

F — Please  assign  that  duty  to  me. 

B — You  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  being  surprised  that  way. 

F — It  was  the  first  strategy  you  ever  succeeded  in. 

W — General,  don't  be  angry.  Goes  up  to  him  and  strokes  his 
chin.  He  smiles,  wriggles,  leers,  and  pushes  her  away. 

B — Go  away,  you  little  witch.     There  can't  be  any  discipline 
when  you're  about.    Aside.     Come  back  when  Fritz  isn't  here. 
A  shot  is  heard.     Wanda  faints.    Fritz  catches  her  in  his  arms. 

B— What  the  devil's  that  ? 

F— Shall  I  take  her  to  her  mother  ? 

B — Yes,  yes ;  take  good  care  of  her. 

F — Ah,  general,  you  do  love  her. 

B— Go !  Go  !  k 

Fritz  takes  her  away. 


PUCK — Entering,  running,  doubled  up,  and  with  a  look  of 
fright.  Ah,  my  dear  General, 

B— What's  the  matter  ? 

P — They  demanded  the  countersign,  and  as  I  was  absorbed  in 
high  problems  of  diplomacy,  I  neglected  to  answer,  and — 

B— Bang ! 

P — That's  it.  Bang  !  The  sentinel  shot  at  me  !  At  me  ! 
Yes,  sir,  at  me  ! 

B — That's  his  duty. 

P — He  missed  me. 

B— He'll  hang  for  that. 

P — For  not  hitting  me  ! 

B — It  makes  the  army  ridiculous. 

P — You  wish  he  had  killed  me. 

B — As  a  General,  yes.  Discipline  before  everything  ;  but  as  a 
friend,  shaking  his  hand,  No.  To  whom  do  I  owe  the  pleasure  of 
this  visit  ? 

P — Something  very  delicate.  You  know  that  it  is  the  custom 
of  statesmen  to  neglec^  nothing  that  can  inspire  the  army  with 
enthusiasm  at  the  beginning  of  a  campaign. 

B — Of  course. 

P — I  have  devised  a  very  ingenious  plan.  The  Grand  Duchess 
is  to  visit  the  camp. 

B — She  has  sent  me  word. 

P — She  will  spend  a  day  or  two  here. 

B — I  have  selected  a  site  for  her  tent. 

P — She  likes  music  and  siogs  well.  I  know  you,  too,  can  sing. 
On  some  suitable  occasion,  offer  to  sing  the  Song  of  the  Regiment 
to  the  army  before  her. 

B — You  natter  me !     It  will  be  a  triumph. 

P — She  will  sing  it  with  you. 

B — With  me  !  How  happy  you  make  me.  It  will  be  a  double 
triumph. 

P — Don't  neglect  your  opportunity. 

B — Leave  that  to  me. 

P — Now,  let's  attend  to  other  business.  Offers  him  his  snuff- 
box. Do  you  indulge  ? 

B — Bah !  Not  in  that  weak  stuff.  Draws  a  double-barrelled 
pistol  from  his  belt,  fires  off  both  barrels,  and  smells  at  them  with 
each  nostril.  That's  the  snuff  for  a  soldier. 

P — Snuffing.    You  understand  why  we  made  war  ? 

B — I  suppose  it  was  to  defend  the  honor  of  the  nation. 

P — Not  in  the  least.  You  must  know  that  the  Grand  Duchess, 
our  Sovereign,  and  my  pupil,  for  I  have  been  her  preceptor — He 
takes  off  his  hat,  looks  at  it,  starts,  and  seems  about  to  faint.  Oh, 
Lord! 

B — What's  the  matter  ? 

P — Look  there.    The  bullet  hole.    Pointing  at  it. 


8 

B — Not  a  very  bad  shot,  after  all. 

P — It  makes  me  sick  to  think  of  it  How  lucky  it  was  I  had 
my  hat  on.  That  saved  me. 

B — Put  it  on  quick. 

P — Putting  it  on  with  a  jump  and  looking  around.  Are  they 
going  to  shoot  again  ?  Getting  behind  Bourn. 

B — No.     You're  safe  here. 

P — Well,  the  Grand  Duchess,  you  see,  is  twenty  years  of  age, 
and  she  has  left  the  power  to  us  ;  but  lately  she  has  been  restless 
and  moody.  Our  power  is  in  danger.  She  is  beginning  to  think. 

B — Beginning  to  think  !  That's  frightful.  And  a  young 
woman,  too. 

P — Yes,  its  bad  enough  in  an  old  one. 

B — And  what  is  she  thinking  about  ? 

P — Shall  I  address  an  official  communication  to  her?  Can't 
you  guess  ?  Pokes  the  General  in  the  ribs. 

B — You  do  not  mean  ! 

P — Yes,  a  husband. 

B — Is  that  all  ?     That's  natural  enough. 

P — It  may  be  natural  for  her,  but  it's  dangerous  for  us.  When 
a  woman  begins  to  think,  look  out  for  trouble.  The  Duchess 
wants  something  to  occupy  her  thoughts.  Her  doll  and  her  book 
are  played  out.  She  thinks  the  season  has  come  for  a  husband. 
Seasons  are  dangerous  She  has  an  ambition  beyond  that  of 
eating  and  drinking.  She  wants  to  do  something  for  her  country. 

B — That's  natural. 

P— Oh  she  is  a  woman,  and  no  mistake.  The  company  of  her 
dressing  maid  is  not  enough  to  entertain  her. 

B — We're  ruined. 

P — No,  the  case  is  not  hopeless. 

B — What's  to  be  done  ? 

P — You  know  I  arranged  a  marriage  for  her  with  Prince 
Paul,  the  third  son  of  the  Grand  Duke  of  Krauser  Kohl. 

B — But  what  would  become  of  us  then  ? 

P — I  took  care  of  that.  Prince  Paul  has  not  more  than 
enough  sense  to  perform  the  physical  functions  of  life  ;  he  can  get 
up  in  the  morning  ;  dress,  eat,  and  remember  the  ordinary  Court 
ceremonial,  and  that's  about  all.  Before  speaking  for  him,  I  went 
to  see  him ;  told  him  of  my  influence,  and  made  a  bargain  with 
him  that  it'  I  got  her  to  marry  him,  he  was  to  leave  all  the  political 
power  to  me,  and  all  the  military  to  you. 

B — A  thousand  thanks. 

P — Yes,  I  thought  it  safer  to  secure  the  power  which  we  have 
held  now  without  a  quarrel  for  nearly  twenty  years. 

B—  Thanks.    Thanks. 

P — Well,  you  see,  I  arranged  the  match  ;  I  told  the  Grand 
Duchess  that  he  was  a  handsome  fellow,  and  that  important  polit- 
cal  considerations  demanded  that  she  should  marry  a  Prince  of 


UNIVERSITY 
9 


Krauser  Kohl  ;  and  when  any  other  Princes  or  nobles  that  might 
be  dangerous  came  about,  I  managed  to  keep  her  away  from  them, 
and  to  tell  her  what  scamps  they  were. 

B—  Why  don't  you  marry  her  yourself  ? 

P  —  Sbe  won't  let  me.  She  has  taken  a  dislike  to  Prince 
Paul.  She  wants  to  look  round  for  another  husband.  She  has 
been  talking  of  visiting  the  Courts  of  Vienna  and  Berlin. 

B  —  That's  dangerous. 

P  —  So  I  thought,  and  I  wrote  to  the  Grand  Duke  of  Krauser 
Kohl  to  send  an  embassador  with  authority  to  sign  a  treaty  flying 
the  political  questions  involved  in  the  marriage.  He  sent  Baron 
Grog,  but  she  learned  his  purpose,  and  refused  to  receive  him. 

B  —  More  dangerous  yet. 

P  —  Something  had  to  be  done,  and  quick.  It  will  not  do  to 
waste  time  when  you're  dealing  with  an  impatient  woman. 

B  —  Slapping  him  on  the  shoulder.  You  understand  human 
nature. 

P  —  So  I  declared  war. 

B  —  I  do  not  understand. 

P  —  To  amuse  her  !  x 

B  —  Amuse  a  woman  with  war? 

P  —  Certainly  ;  she  can't  go  to  Vienna  or  Berlin  now  ;  she  will 
spend  her  time  in  the  camps  and  hospitals  ;  if  we  conquer,  our 
power  is  confirmed;  if  we  are  defeated,  the  Grand  Duke  of  Krauser 
Kohl  will  interfere  to  prevent  a  complete  conquest,  and  then  the 
Grand  Duchess  must  marry  Prince  Paul  out  of  gratitude. 

B  —  Shaking  his  hand.  You're  the  greatest  statesman  of  the 
age. 

P  —  Ah,  my  friend,  if  you  only  knew  what  an  amount  of  deep 
thought  I  have  spent  in  the  extensive  combinations  involved  in  all 
my  plans  for  the  preservation  ot  our  interests. 

B  —  You're  a  wonderful  man. 

P  —  You  have  no  idea,  how  much  study  and  the  multitude 
of  dictionaries  and  maps  I  had  to  consult  to  ascertain  the  bound- 
aries of  the  nations  that  might  be  disturbed  by  the  hostilities,  and 
the  dozens  of  almanacs  and  court  registers,  to  get  the  full  titles  of 
the  dignitaries  with  whom  I  have  corresponded. 

B  —  You  inspire  me  with  awe. 

Drums  are  heard  at  a  distance. 

P  —  What's  that  ? 

B  —  Excitedly.  The  enemy  !  The  enemy  !  Where  is  my 
army? 

Enter  Nepomuck. 

B  —  Where  is  the  enemy  ? 

NEPOMUCK  —  I  have  not  heard  of  the  enemy.  I  have  come 
to  announce  the  approach  of  the  Grand  Duchess. 

B  —  It  is  well  ;  order  the  soldiers  under  arms. 


10 

N — Yes,  General.    He  goes  out  at  the  right  rear  entrance. 
P — Then    everything's    understood.    The  song    to-day ;   the 
departure  of  the  army  next  week. 

B — After  that,  a  return  in  triumph. 
P — And  we  are  confirmed  in  power. 

The  army  enters  at  the  right  rear  entrance,  extending  from 
there  to  the  left  front.  Wanda  and  the  peasant  girls  enter  from  both 
sides  and  take  places  behind  the  soldiers.  Fritz  is  in  the  ranks.  Puck 
has  passed  to  the  right 

BOUM — Order    arms!      They  obey.    Carry    arms.     They  obey. 

Military  music  strikes  up.  The  Grand  Duchess,  in  a  military 
riding  dress,  whip  in  hand,  enters  at  the  right  rear,  with  her  maids 
of  honor  in  similar  dress. 

B — Present  arms !  They  obey.  Duchess  passes  to  the  front. 
Carry  arms !  They  obey. 

DUCHESS — Looking  intently  at  Fritz.  Aside.  Here's  that 
handsome  soldier  again.  I  must  review  my  army  often.  Aloud. 
General  ? 

B— Your  HighnesS? 

D — I  am  delighted  with  the  appearance  of  my  troops  They 
do  credit  to  their  commander. 

B — Thanks,  your  Highness. 

D — I  have  been  advised  that  they  will  enter  the  campaign 
with  better  spirits  if  I  sing  to  them 

B — The  advice  is  excellent.     Shall  I  order  them  to  be  at  rest? 

D — If  you  please. 

B — To  soldiers.  Order  arms !  Soldiers  obey.  Rest !  They 
obey. 

Duchess  sings  :  "I  Dote  on  the  Military." 

"Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military 

With  their  uniforms  so  bright ; 

Their  moustache  and  trappings  light. 

Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military, 

Their  dauntless  mien. 

Their  manners  airy, 

When  I  view  my  troopers  rare, 

With  martial  fire  animated; 

Eyes  right,  attention  there, 

Jove,  with  pride  I  feel  elated, 

Whether  or  not  they'll  thrash  the  foe. 

Why,  I  can't  tell,  but  this  I  know, 


11 

Why,  I  can't  tell,  but  this  I  know, 

Why,  I  can't  tell,  but  this  I  know. 

Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military, 

I  dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military, 

Yes,  on  the  military  I  dote 

Could  I  have  my  little  way 

I'd  enlist  as  a  vivandiere, 

Their  wants  tending  all  the  day. 

With  drinks  I'd  make  them  gay. 

Then  brave  as  steel  and  light  as  air 

To  the  fight !  to  the  fight !  I  would  march  away, 

If  war  would  seem  such  fun  when  there, 

IJ  war  would  seem  so  nice, 

Would  seem  so  nice. 

But  this  I'll  say,  I  cannot  tell, 

But  this  I'll  say,  I  cannot  tell, 

But  this  I'll  say, 

I  dote  on  the  military. 

Dote  on  the  military, 

Dote  on  the  military, 

With  their  uniforms  so  bright, 

Their  moustache  and  trappings  light. 

Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military. 

Their  dauntless  mien  is  all, 

Is  all  my  delight. 

Oh,  1  dote  on  the  military, 

Their  uniforms  so  bright, 

Moustache  and  trappings  light. 

Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military, 

Their  unifoims  so  bright, 

Moustache  and  trappings  light, 

Oh,  I  dot",  on  the  military, 

Oh,  I  dote  on  the  military, 

On  the  military  I  dote." 

All  Hurrah  for  the  Grand  Duchess. 

B — Attention,  carry  arms !     They  obey. 

D — Stepping  foi^ward  and  looking  at  Fritz.    General  ? 

B — Your  Highness  ? 

D — Order  this  soldier,  pointing  at  Fritz,  to  advance. 

B — Calling  soldier  at   Fritz's  right.      Schwartz  step  forward. 
Schwartz  'makes  three  steps  forward. 

D — Not  that  one,  the  other. 

B — Addressing  one  on  other  side  of  Fritz.    Schumacher,  step 
forward. 

Schumacher  begins  to  step  forward. 

D — No,  not  that  one. 


12 

B— Pointing  at  Fritz.    This  one  ? 

D — Yes,  that  one. 

B — Fritz,  three  steps  forward. 

D — Your  name  ? 

F— Fritz. 

D — How  many  campaigns  ?    How  many  wounds  ? 

F — No  campaign,  no  wound,  except  once  when  I  wae  climbing 
over  a  wall  to  nip  some  apples — but,  perhaps  that  don't  count. 
No,  I  have  no  wound,  decidedly  no  wounds. 

D— Private  soldier  ? 

F — A  mere  private. 

D — I  promote  you  to  corporal. 

F — Ah  !    He  starts  to  run  to  Wanda. 

B — Stops  him.    Potz  donner  wetter. 

F — Beg  pardon.     He  goes  back  to  his  place. 

D — Where  were  you  going  ? 

F — To  tell  my  sweetheart  of  my  promotion. 

D — Your  sweetheart  ? 

F— Yes,  indeed. 

D— Tell  her  that  you  are  a  sergeant.  To  Bourn :  Dismiss 
your  army. 

B — Break  ranks  and  leave  us. 

D — Why  leave  us  ?  No,  let  them  stay  here  ;  they  are  my 
soldiers. 

PUCK — Well  said,  your  Highness  ;  well  said. 

D— Stay  my  friends,  stay  and  let  us  talk  a  little. 

The  soldiers  advance  a  little;  the  peasant  girls  come  forward, 
Wanda  in  front.  The  Grand  Duchess  sits  on  a  drum  offered  to  her 
by  a  vivandiere.  Puck  passes  to  near  Bourn,  and  Fritz,  after  putting 
down  his  musket,  goes  to  the  right. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.  Did  you  observe  how  her  Highness  fixed 
her  eyes  on  that  young  soldier  ? 

B — Low.    Yes,  but  we  can't  suppose — 

P — Low.  You  can  suppose  anything.  I  have  been  the  pre- 
ceptor of  the  girl,  and  she  is  as  headstrong  as  the  devil. 

B — Low.    The  devil  she  is.     Let's  watch  her. 

P — Low.     Yes,  watch  her.    Hepasses  to  the  left. 

D — Turning  to  Fritz.    Come  here. 

F — Approaching.    Your  Highness. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.     There  she  goes  again. 

B — Low  to  Puck.  Yes,  I  see.  Looking  at  Fritz.  I  will  make 
it  warm  for  him. 

D — To  Fritz.    Is  your  sweetheart  satisfied  ? 

F — Yes,  your  Highness. 

D — Are  you  and  your  comrades  well  treated  ? 

F— Yes,  tolerably. 

D— Well  fed? 


13 

F — Yes,  we  have  enough  potatoes. 

D — And  the  officers,  are  they  kind  to  the  soldiers  ? 

F — Yes,  all  save  the  General,  he  is  severe. 

D— Is  that  so  ? 

B — But,  your  Highness — 

D— Let  Fritz  tell  his  story. 

F — The  General  is  very  severe  to  me,  but  it  is  on  account  of 
the  girls. 

D— The  girls  ? 

F — Yes,  your  Highness. 

B — No  disrespect  to  your  commander. 

D — Speak,  Fritz.    General,  do  not  interrupt  him. 

F— Yes,  he  ran  after  my  sweetheart,  and  she  gave  him  the 
cold  shoulder. 

D — 18  everybody  in  love  with  your  sweetheart?  Is  she  so 
pretty  ? 

F — Pointing  at  her.    There  she  is. 

D — Tell  her  to  come  here. 

F— Here  Wanda  !  Beckoning  to  her.  She  is  shy.  Come  here. 
She's  afraid.  She's  not  like  us  soldiers. 

Wanda  comes  forward  in  front  of  the  Duchess  and  courtesies. 

D — Does  this  fellow  love  you  ? 
W — Timidly.     I  believe  so. 
D — And  do  you  love  him. 
W — Oh  yes,  I'm  sure  of  that. 

D— Indeed!      Aside.    Oh,  what  a  pain       To   Fritz.    Did   I 
tell  you  you  are  a  lieutenant  ? 
F — No,  your  Highness. 

Duchess  rises  with  her  maids  of  Honor.     Wanda  returns  to  her 

place. 

D— Well,  I  tell  you  now. 

General  astonishment. 

F — Thanks,  your  Highness. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.     Headlong,  as  well  as  headstrong. 

B — Low  to  Puck — Take  it  easy.  I  will  put  him  at  the  head  of 
a  charging  party  in  the  first  battle. 

D — It's  warm.     To  her  maids  of  honor:  Are  you  not  thirsty  ? 

IZA — Yes,  your  Highness. 

D— So  am  I. 

P — I  will  send  for  some  wine. 

D — Why  send  ?    I  will  share  the  drink  of  my  soldiers. 

B— But  they  drink— 

D — What  the  commissary  furnishes.  I  want  to  try  it.  To  a 
vivandiere  at  the  left:  Come  here  vivandiere  and  give  me  a  drink. 
She  pours  out  a  little.  Fill  to  the  brim.  Another  vwandiere  pours 
out  for  the  Maids  of  Honor. 


^ U*15  "*fty^v 

/  OF  TMB      J        >V 

I  XJNIVERSITY  1 


14 

0 — Soldiers,  I  drink  to  your  success — to  your  happy  return. 
She  drains  her  glass. 

ALL — Hurrah  for  the  Grand  Duchess  f 

P — Low  to  Bourn.  It's  a  wonder  how  I've  managed  her  for 
years.  If  you  don't  look  out  she  will  take  the  chief  command  in 
the  field, 

B — Low  to  Puck.     I  think  the  time  has  come  for  the  Song. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.     A  good  idea. 

B — Going  up  to  the  Duchess.  Would  your  Highness  like  to 
hear  the  Song  of  the  Regiment. 

D — Certainly.     1  can  sing  it,  too. 

B— Is  it  possible  ? 

D — I  shall  be  glad  to  sing  it  for  my  soldiers. 

B — They  will  consider  it  a  great  honor. 

D — Let  us  commence. 

B — Preparing  to  sing.    Hem  I    Hern ! 

D — Did  you  think  of  singing  it  with  me  ? 

B — If  your  Highness  will  permit. 

D — A  commanding  General  !  Oh,  no  ;  that  would  be  undig- 
nified. To  Fritz.  Can  you  sing  the  Song  of  the  Regiment  ? 

F — Yes,  your  Highness. 

D— Come  here  and  sing  it  with  me. 

B — You  do  not  intend  ? 

D — Turning  towards  him.    Intend  what  ? 

B — To  sing  with  a  lieutenant  ? 

D — A  lieutenant  ?  Is  the  rank  too  low  ?  I  make  him  a  cap- 
tain then.  Is  that  sufficient  ?  To  Fritz.  You  shall  be  my  chief 
of  staff. 

Wanda  in  a  delighted  manner,  comes  forward,  passes  to  the 
right  near  Fritz  and  congratulates  him. 

Bourn,  lowing  in  a  constrained  manner,  passes  to  the  left. 

D — To  Fritz.    Come,  Captain,  sing  with  me. 

The  Maids  of  Honor  come  forward,  Iza  and  Charlotte  at  the 
left,  Olga  and  Amelia  at  the  right,  Fritz  goes  to  the  side  of  the  Grand 
Duchess,  Peasant  Girls  place  themselves  on  the  right  and  left.  The 
Duchess  and  Fritz  sing  the  Song  of  the  Regiment. 

Oh,  what  a  gallant  regiment 

Is  this  regiment,  the  Grand  Duchess' 

Whene'er  to  catch  the  foe  they're  sent 

They,  on  their  nobs,  like  a  shot  rattle  down, 

By  honor  ruled  in  sentiment, 

Its  lass  as  victory,  by  name  is  known. 

They  say  the  hussars  aren't  so  bad 
And  show  more  than  one  tidy  lad  ; 
With  helmet  of  steel,  polished  bright. 
The  dragoons  make  a  pretty  sight. 
All  know  in  the  artilleree 


15 

Brav«  boys  you  as  any  may  see, 
But  none  can  e'en  a  rushlight  hold 
To  the  regiment  you  now  behold. 
Whack-row-de-dow. 

Where'er  its  proud  standard's  unfurled, 
It  don't  matter  where  in  the  world, 
It  lights  the  girls'  fa;-es  with  smiles 
The  men  howsomdever,  it  riles. 
When  it  again  is  enroute, 
Then  on  t'other  leg  is  the  boot, 
It  makes  the  men  all  beam  with  smiles 
The  girls  howsomdever  it  riles. 
W  hack-row-de-do  w. 

Then  let  the  drums  all  rattle, 
And  let  all  the  trumpets  ring, 

We'll  sing  the  Go  1  of  the  Battle, 
And  the  God  of  Love  we'll  sing. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  I— Camp  as  in  the  first  act. 
Kurtz  and  Fritz. 

KURTZ — Taking  Fritz's  hand.  Well,  cousin,  I  congratulate 
you  on  your  promotion. 

FRITZ — How  did  you  manage  it  ? 

K — I  did  not  manage  it. 

F — You  promised  it,  and  it  came.  What  are  the  duties  of  the 
Chief  of  Staff  of  her  Highness  ? 

K — I  think  more  civil  than  military,  so  do  not  fail  to  be  very 
civil.  Be  careful  with  your  dress  and  your  manners.  Com- 
ply with  the  wishes  of  the  Grand  Duchess  before  she  expresses 
them.  You  will  be  her  companion  and  escort  everywhere.  Do 
not  be  afraid  to  take  precedence  of  Puck  and  Bourn.  She's  tired 
of  them.  And  do  not  forget  the  main  point,  about  Bourn's  plan 
of  the  campaign.  Induce  the  Duchess  to  examine  it,  and  then, 
if  you  have  a  chance,  explain  its  defects  as  I  have  explained  them 
to  you.  Its  risky,  but  it's  better  than  a  disgraceful  campaign. 
Here  comes  the  Grand  Duchess  now.  If  you  have  an  opportunity 
do  not  let  it  slip.  He  goes  out  at  the  left  front. 

Grand  Duchess  enters  at  the  right  rear  with  her  Maids  of  Honor. 


16 

DUCHESS — Captain,  I  am  delighted  to  see  you  in  your  new  uni 
form.  It  fits  admirably.  Let  me  introduce  you  to  iny  Maids  of 
Honor.  She  leads  him  past  them  and  she  names  each.  He  shakes  hands 
with  them.  Returning  to  the  front  of  the  Stage.  To  Fritz — Are  you 
ready  to  go  to  the  war  ? 

F — I  am  impatient  for  the  battle  in  which  I  shall  prove  that  I 
am  worthy  of  your  favor. 

D — You  wish  to  leave  me  ? 

F — Not  after  I  have  established  my  right  to  your  regard. 

D — You  would  risk  your  life. 

F — Anything  for  such  a  sovereign. 

D — Could  I  not  accompany  my  army? 

F — That  depends  on  the  plan  of  the  campaign. 

D_Who  has  it  ? 

F — The  Commanding  General  never  starts  on  a  campaign 
without  a  plan. 

D — I  will  tell  him  to  show  it  to  me. 

F — You  can  order  him  to  explain  it  to  you  and  discuss  it  be- 
fore you. 

D— That's  so,  I  like  the  idea. 

NEPOMUCK — Entering  at  the  right  rear.    Your  Highness. 

D— What  is  it  ? 

N — Madame,  Prince  Paul  has  been  stopped  at  the  boundary  of 
the  camp  for  want  of  the  Countersign,  with  Baron  Grog.  Will  you 
give  the  order  that  they  shall  be  admitted  ? 

D — III  humoredly.    I'm  tired  of  Prince  Paul. 

^ — What  is  the  order  of  your  highness  ? 

D — Well,  you  may  bring  the  Prince  into  camp,  but  without 
any  Grog.  Tell  Grog  to  go  home.  Nepomuck  goes  out  by  the  right 
rear  entrance.  This  Prince  is  a  bore,  but  I  must  receive  him.  Cap- 
£  ain  leave  me  and  come  back  in  fifteen  minutes. 

Fritz  goes  out. 

PRINCE  PAUL — Entering  with  Nepomuck  as  usher,  at  the  right 
rear,  dressed  as  a  bridegroom  with  a  large'  bouquet  of  orange  blossoms, 
and  advancing  with  a  piteous  air.  Well,  your  Highness,  shall  it  be  to 
day? 

D — Looking  at  him.    But  Prince,  what  does  such  a  dress  mean? 

PR  P — Ah  it  attracts  your  notice  !  It  is  the  dress  of  a  bride- 
groom. I  have  put  it  on  in  the  hope  to  decide  you. 

D — To  marry  you  to-day  ?  That's  impossible  my  dear  Prince. 
I  have  too  much  business  to  look  after;  a  plan  for  the  campaign 
to  examine  and  an  army  to  send  off.  I  never  shall  have  leisure  to 
marry. 

PR  P — You  are  always  full  of  excuses. 

D — Are  they  not  good  ones  ? 

PR  P — You  have  been  putting  me  off  for  six  months  with  your 
good  excuses.  This  morning,  Baron  Grog,  the  messenger  of  my 


17 

love,  whom  you  would  not  admit  into  your  presence,  received  a 
letter  from  my  papa. 

D — And  what  did  your  papa's  letter  say. 

PR  P — He  said  this  match  is  beginning  to  bore  him.  I  left  h  is 
court  six  months  ago,  to  come  here  to  marry  you ;  he  gave  me  a 
large  allowance  so  that  I  can  act  the  part  of  yoifr  betrothed  with 
dignity.  And  after  spending  my  allowance  I  do  not  marry  you. 
That  bores  my  papa.  He  would  like  to  have  an  end  of  the  non- 
sense. 

D — Of  your  nonsense ! 

PR  P — If  your  highness  does  not  intend  to  marry  me  my  papa 
will  find  some  other  Grand  Duchess  for  me. 

D — Tell  your  papa  that  it's  all  right;  this  marriage  will  come 
to  pass  some  time  or  other. 

PR  P — That's  what  you  always  say.  My  engagement  has  been 
announced  diplomatically  to  all  the  courts  of  the  globe,  and  the 
universe  has  its  eyes  on  me,  the  universe  has,  and  it  thinks  I  am 
cutting  a  critical  figure. 

D — Looking  at  him  and  laughing.  The  fact  is  that  if  the  uni- 
verse had  its  eye  on  you  now — 

PR  P — And  besides  there  is  something  that  touches  my  honor 
still  more. 

D — You  don't  say  so! 

PR  P — Taking  a  small  newspaper  from  his  pocket.  Look  at  this, 
your  highness. 

D— What  is  it? 

PR  P — It's  a  public  journal  printed  in  Holland.  A  dutch  news- 
paper 

D — I  don't  see  anything  horrid  in  that. 

PR  P — Oh  but  you  would  if  you  would  read  it.  It  dares  to 
speak  of  me.  Of  late  years  a  set  of  men  have  made  it  their  mission 
to  discuss  everything,  to  pass  judgment  on  everything, just  to  in- 
terest the  people.  They  are  called  journalists.  They  dare  to  speak  of 
private  affairs,  and  what  is  worse  of  my  private  affairs.  Listen  to 
what  this  Amsterdam  Advertiser  says: 
A  Duchess  to  wed 

Prince  Paul  started  out, 
But  she  takes  her  time 
And  he's  in  a  pout. 
He  dances  attendance, 

Besets  her  with  prayers; 
Months  come  and  months  go, 

She  listens  and  stares. 
Each  morning  at  dawn 
He  dresses  in  white, 
And  begs  but  in  vain. 

She  tells  him  next  year 
She'll  see  him  again. 


18 

Court  circles  are  laughing, 
They  laugh  one  and  all, 

At  the  vain  wooing 
Of  luckless  Prince  Paul. 

That's  what  they  say  of  me  in  the  the  Amsterdam  Advertiser, 
and  all  the  other  dam  advertisers. 

D — Laughing  heartily.  You  should  not  be  angry  at  that.  It's 
very  funny. 

PR  P — I'ts  not  funny    o  me. 

FRITZ — Entering  at  tJie  right  front  entrance.  Here  I  am  your 
highness. 

D— Prince,  this  is  my  Chief  of  Staff,  Capt.  Fritz.  Look  at  him 
Prince  and  tell  me  what  you  think  of  him  ? 

PR  P— Oh  he'll  do  for  a  Captain. 

D — That's  what  I  think.  Shouldn't  I  be  proud  to  have  such 
soldiers.  To  Fritz.  Captain: 

F — Your  Highness. 

I) — Pointing  to  the  tent.  Tell  General  Bourn  and  Baron  Puck 
that  I  am  waiting  for  them . 

F — I  will  tell  them.     Goes  into  the  tent. 

PR  P — Your  Highness? 

D — Impatiently. — Are  you  going  to  bother  me  again  ? 

PR  P— You  do  not  fix  the  day. 

D — What  can  I  say  ?  So  soon  as  the  cares  of  Government 
allow  me  a  minute  for  my  personal  enjoyment,  1  ihall  devote  it  to 
our  marriage. 

Puck,  Bourn  and  Fritz  enter  at  the  right  front.  Soldiers  bring 
in  a  table  and  four  seats,  put  the  table  near  the  middle  of  the  stage, 
a  little  to  the  left;  putting  two  seats  on  tlie  left  of  the  table,  one  on  the 
right,  and  the  other  behind.  A  military  map  is  placed  on  the  table, 
The  soldiers  go  out. 

DUCHESS — Let  us  now  examine  General  Bourn's  plan  of  the 
campaign.  To  Prince  Paul.  I  hope,  Prince,  you  will  aid  us  with 
your  counsel. 

PR  P — Pouting.    If  you  insist. 

D — Poor  fellow,  he  is  out  of  humor. 

PR  P — That's  so,  you  always  want  me  to  bother  with  your 
council. 

D — Is  not  that  natural  ?  And,  since  you  are  to  be  my  husband, 
should  you  not  have  the  privilege  of  the  position  ? 

PR  P — I  would  be  glad  to  have  all  but  the  political  ones,  and 
they  are  all  you  offer  me. 

D — Angrily.    What  do  you  mean  ? 

PR  P — Aside.  I'm  afraid  to  speak.  He  goes  off  to  the  left.  The 
Duchess  seats  herself  at  the  left  of  the  table. 

D — Tak«  seats,  gentlemen.  Bourn  seats  himself  before  the 
table,  and  Puck  at  the  right.  To  Fritz.  You,  Captain —  Bourn 
motions  to  him  to  retire.  You  will  stay  here  as  my  guard. 


19 

Fritz  walks  up  &nd  down.  Bourn  and  Puck  exchange  looks  of 
dissatisfaction. 

HOUM — Looking  at  Fritz.  But  I  do  not  know  whether  I  should 
develop  ray  plans. 

D — Don't  be  uneasy  on  that  account,  General,  speak. 
B — My  plan  is  very  simple,  your  Highness.     It  is  based  on 
the  main  point  on  the  art  of  war  :  to  divide  and  surround. 
D — As  you  would  a  piece  of  ginger  cake  ? 
B — Exactly,   your  Highness.    Then,  for  the  purpose  of  divid- 
ing and  surrounding  the  enemy,  I  divide  my  company  into  three 
corps. 

P — That's  well  devised. 

B — One  will  inarch  to  the  right.  Drawing  a  line  on  the  map 
with  Us  finger. 

PR  P— Excellent. 

B — Another  will  march  to  the  left.  Making  the  line  with  his 
finger. 

P — Admirable. 

B — And  the  third  will  march  straight  forward. 
PR  P — A  wonderful  plan. 

B — My  army,  thus  arranged,  will   march  by  three  separate 
roads  to  the  point  of  concentration,  and  there  I  will  crush  the  enemy. 
D — Where  is  the  point  of  concentration  ? 

B — I  do  not  know;  but  I  will  find  out  after  I  crush  the  enemy. 
Furiously.  Yes,  I  will  crush  the  enemy.  I  will  take  all  his  flags 
and  canons,  and  have  a  big  army  of  prisoners,  and  there  must  be 
a  grand  triumph  when  we  return.  Furiously.  Yes,  I  am  deter- 
mined to  crush  the  enemy.  Strides  up  and  down,  flourishing  his 
sword 

D— Restrain  yourself,  General,  the  battle  has  not  commenced. 
P — To  Bourn.    I  beg  you. 
B — I  tell  you  I  will  crush  the  enemy. 
D — I  admit  that,  but  take  it  quietly. 

B — Excitedly.  It's  for  my  sovereign  and  my  country.  Where 
is  the  enemy  ?  I  will  crush  him.  Lead  me  to  the  enemy. 

Puck  induces  him  to  sit  down. 
D — To  Puck.    You  approve  the  plan  ? 
P — It's  excellent.  \ 

D — To  Prince  Paul.    What  do  you  think  of  it? 
PR  P — Admirable 

D — To  Fritz.    And,  Captain,  what  do  you  think  of  it  ? 
P — To  the  Or  and  Duchess.     Permit  me  to  say,  respectfully, 
that  it  is  contrary  to  established  rule  for  a  captain  to  take  part  in  a 
council  of  war  held  by  the  sovereign. 
B  —It's  contrary  to  military  law. 
P — And  to  civil  law. 

PR  P — It's  a  privilege  that  should  be  reserved  for  nobles. 
D-~As  you  agree  upon  this  point  you  must  be  right. 


20 

P — We  are  right,  your  Highness. 

D — What  are  the  qualifications  for  taking  part  in  a  council  ? 

P — Noble  rank  and  the  office  of  general  or  minister. 

PR  P — Or  prospective  husband. 

P— Certainly. 

D — To  Fritz.  Captain,  I  create  you  Baron  Von  Bierfoss,  and 
promote  you  to  the  office  of  General  in  my  army.  To  Puck.  Please 
make  out  his  commission  and  patent  of  nobility  to  day.  Must  he 
wait  till  they  are  issued  before  he  can  share  in  our  council  ? 

P — Submissively.  No,  your  Highness.  He  passes  to  Paul's 
right.  Low  to  Paul.  This  beats  the  devil. 

PR  P — Low  to  Puck — What's  to  be  done  ? 

P — Low  to  Paul — We  must  have  a  consultation. 

B— Your  Highness  ? 

D — I  would  prefer  to  hear  the  opinion  of  General  Fritz. 

B — But,  your  Highness,  he  has  not  learned  anything  about 
the  plan  since  he  became  a  General. 

D— No  matter  about  that 

Bourn  rises  and  passes  to  the  right. 

D — To  Fritz.  Take  a  seat,  General,  pointing  to  the  seat  pre- 
viously occupied  by  Bourn. 

Puck  obsequiously  conducts  Fritz  to  the  seat.    Fritz  sits  down. 

F-It  would  be  unwise  to  use  the  whole  army  for  an  invasion  ; 
one-fourth  should  stay  behind  as  a  reserve  ;  and  it  would  be  a  mis- 
take to  divide  the  army  into  three  equal  divisions  to  march  on 
parallel  roads.  The  enemy  could  defeat  each  separately  before  one 
division  could  help  another.  If  your  Highness  desires,  I  can  refer 
you  to  the  histories  of  great  campaigns,  showing  the  folly  of  divid 
ing  armies  before  the  enemy,  and  of  making  invasions  without  a 
reserve. 

D — You  have  read  those  books  ? 

F — Some  of  them,  and  I  can  give  your  Highness  the  volume 
and  page  to-morrow. 

B — When  a  soldier  begins  to  read,  he's  unfit  for  obedience. 

F — And  if  a  General  don't  read,  he's  unfit  to  command. 

D — Looking  at  his  dress.  General,  your  collar  is  too  high. 
Tell  your  tailor  to  take  off  about  half  an  inch  so  ap  to  show  more 
of  your  neck.  Go  on  my  /riend.  So  you  would  not  divide  the 
army  ? 

F — I  say  that  we  should  march  for  the  enemy  by  one  road, 
attack  them  as  soon  as  we  meet,  and  thrash  them,  if  we  can. 
That's  all.  He  rises. 

D — Rising,  also  Puck  and  the  Prince.  That's  a  good  plan;  you 
should  adopt  it,  General  Bourn. 

B — Passing  near  Fritz.    I  will  not  adopt  it. 

D— How's  i  hat  ? 


21 

B — I  am  responsible  to  your  Highness  for  the  blood  of  your 
soldiers.  With  my  plan  I  was  sure  of  the  result  No  blood  would 
be  spilled.  He  turns  to  Puck  and  speaks  low  to  him,  while  the  Grand 
Duchess  approaches  and  overhears.  I  know  General  Larekop  on  the 
other  side,  and  I  would  arrange  with  him  so  that  there  should  be 
nothing  but  little  skirmishes. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.  That's  the  way.  I  would  not  make  peace 
for  three  or  four  years,  and  not  being  able  to  go  to  Berlin  or  Vienna, 
she  would  at  last  be  worried  into  marrying  Prince  Paul. 

B — Low  to  Puck.     That's  the  only  safe  policy  for  us. 

D — Aside.  A  nice  plot.  I  will  get  rid  of  both  of  them.  Aloud 
to  Bourn.  Then  you  refuse  ? 

B— I  refuse.  Let  the  Baron  Von  What's-his  name—  What  ? 
What  was  the  title  your  Highness  gave  him  ? 

F—  To  Bourn.  Baron  Von  Bierfoss,  if  you  please.  To  the 
Duchess.  He  remembered  my  title  well  enough.  He  is  putting 
on  airs. 

B — Let  the  Baron  Von  Bierfoss  carry  out  his  own  plan  if  he 
likes  He  passes  to  the  right. 

P— Certainly, 

D — Do  you  think  you  could  win  a  victory  ? 

F— Either  that,  or  lose  it,  like  other  Generals. 

D — Baron  Von  Bierfoss  ? 

F— Your  Highness  ? 

D — Heaven  guard  you  and  your  army.  I  appoint  you  Gen- 
eral-in-Chief of  all  my  troops. 

F — To  Bourn.     Give  me  that  plume. 

B — Potz  tausend  donner  wetter. 

Puck  quiets  him,  takes  away  the  plume,  puts  it  in  Fritz's  hat. 
Bourn  in  despair  sticks  in  his  hat  the  little  cockade  taken  from  Fritz's 
Jiat. 

F—To  Bourn.     Bah  !     What  a  bad  soldier  ! 

B — Furiously.    Hold  me,  somebody. 

P — Passing  to  Bourn's  left  and  catching  Bourn.  Keep  quiet  ; 
there  are  three  ot  us  against  him.  We'll  crush  him  yet. 

D — Looking  at  Fritz.  Aside.  How  handsome  he  is.  Aloud . 
General  Fritz,  I  will  present  you  to  my  army.  General  Bourn, 
order  out  the  entire  army  for  review. 

B — I  under  his  orders  ! 

TJie  soldiers  who  brought  in  the  table  and  chairs  carry  them 
away. 

P — Low  to  Bourn.    Obey.    She  has  set  her  heart  on  this  fellow. 
That's  what  I  feared. 

Bourn  goes  to  the  right  rear  entrance,  makes  a  sign  to  the  out- 
side, and  returns  to  the  right  front.  Grand  military  command  re- 
peated at  a  distance.  The  drums  beat,  the  soldiers  enter  from  the 
right  rear,  take  their  muskets  and  place  themselves  in  two  ranks  at 


22 

the  rear,  facing  the  public,  the  drummers  at  their  left.  Nepomuck 
precedes  them  near  the  middle  of  the  stage,  behind  the  Grand- 
Duchess.  The  Maids  of  Honor  come  out  of  the  tent  and  place  them- 
selves at  the  left  front.  The  peasant  girls  enter  from  the  right  and 
left  and  take  stations  on  loth  sides  of  the  stage.  Wanda  enters  on 
the  left,  stands  before  the  peasant  girls,  a  little  behind  Prince  Paul. 
Prince  Paul  rejoins  Bourn  and  Puck  at  the  extreme  right.  The 
vivandieres  are  at  the  head  of  their  respective  platoons. 

DUCHESS—  To  General  Bourn.     Call  the  attention  of  the  army. 

BOUM — Attention,  soldiers  !  Carry  arms  !  TJiey  obey.  Pre- 
sent arms!  They  obey.  Carry  arms!  They  obey.  Order  arms!  They 
obey.  Eyes  right  !  They  obey.  Eyes  left !  They  obey.  Eyes  front  ! 
They  obey.  Attention  to  the  Grand  Duchess. 

D— Advancing.  Listen  to  the  command  of  your  sovereign.  I 
introduce  to  you  your  new  Commander-in-Chief,  General  Fritz, 
Baron  Von  Bierloss. 

ALL — Hurrah  for  General  Fritz. 

D — He  will  lead  you  to  victory. 

ALL — Hurrah  for  Victory. 

B — Low  to  Puck  and  Paul.  The  dirty  rabble,  they  used  to 
cheer  for  me. 

PUCK — Low  to  Bourn  and  Paul.    We'll  see  that  he's  defeated. 

PR  PAUL — Disgusting.  Society  and  religion  are  going  to  the 
devil.  To  think  of  putting  a  common  soldier  in  command  of 
nobles  and  gentlemen 

F— Attention,  soldiers !  Carry  arms  !  TJiey  obey.  Present 
arms!  They  obey.  Carry  arms!  TJiey  obey.  To  the  Duchess. 
Shall  I  dismiss  them  ? 

D — Not  yet.  Nepomuck,  bring  me  the  banner.  Nepomuck 
goes  out  at  the  right  front,  and  comes  back  from  the  right  rear  witJi 
a  banner. 

FRITZ — Present  arms  !  TJiey  obey  till  Nepomuck  has  reached 
the  left  front.  Carry  arms !  They  obey. 

D — General  Fritz,  this  is  the  grand  banner  of  my  State,  I  en- 
trust it  to  the  care  of  yourself  and  your  brave  soldiers  Let  it  take 
part  in  all  your  battles. 

F — Soldiers,  this  is  the  symbol  of  our  fidelity  to  a  beloved  sov- 
ereign, and  of  duty  to  eur  families,  our  friends,  and  ourselves. 
Having  served  with  you  in  the  ranks,  and  being  familiar  with 
your  training,  feelings  and  courage,  I  know  you  will  bring  back 
this  banner  with  new  lustre  from  the  fields  of  blood.  You  will 
swear  sincerely  and  willingly  to  defend  it.  Kneel  with  me.  They 
kneel  on  one  knee.  Now,  your  highness,  we  are  ready  to  take 
such  oath  as  you  may  propose  to  be  faithful  to  the  flag. 

D— Do  you  each  for  himself  swear  to  be  true  to  this  emblem 
of  your  duty  to  the  honor  and  independence  of  your  country  ? 
ALL — We  swear. 


23 

D— Rise.  They  rise.  Thanks,  my  brave  soldiers.  I  feel  that 
you  will  be  true,  and  when  you  come  back  from  a  glorious  cam- 
paign I  promise  you  that  besides  the  reward  which  you  will  have 
in  your  own  self-respect,  you  shall  have  an  abundant  recompense 
in  the  smiles  and  embraces  of  those  whose  sex  prevents  them  from 
taking  part  in  your  honorable  and  dangerous  service.  She  gives  the 
banner  to  Fritz. 

F — Ensign?  The  Ensign  comes  forward.  In  your  especial 
care  I  place  this  national  banner.  Ensign  returns  with  it  to  the 
ranks.  To  the  Duchess.  Shall  I  dismiss  the  army  now  ? 

D — Not  yet.     To  Nepomuck.    Bring  me  the  sword. 

Nepomuck  goes  out  at  the  right.  The  Grand  Duchess  motions 
to  Write  to  come  near  her. 

ALL — What  does  this  mean  ? 

Nepomuck  enters  carrying  a  sword  in  loth  hands,  with  great 
respect. 

ALL — A  sword  ! 

D — To  Fritz,  showing  the  sabre.  I  have  a  personal  trust  for 
you;  the  other  was  for  the  army.  This  is  the  sabre  which  my 
father  wore  in  many  hard  fought  campaigns  ;  it  is  a  symbol  of  the 
sovereign  power  which  he  left  ;  it  is  the  dearest  heirloom  of  my 
dynasty.  While  the  fate  of  my  country  depends  upon  your  gen- 
eralship, I  wish  you  to  wear  it,  and  let  a  glance  at  it  remind  you 
of  her  who  intrusted  it  to  you  and  inspire  you  with  devotion  to  her 
cause.  I  give  you  the  sabre  of  my  sire,  and  the  blessing  of  his 
daughter. 

She  takes  the  sabre;  Fritz  on  one  knee  before  Tier  accepts  the 
sabre  reverentially,  kisses  it,  rises,  takes  off  his  other  sword  and  puts 
on  this  one. 

F — Although  I  am  only  a  rude  soldier,  I  appreciate  the  honor 
done  me,  and  I  would  raTher  die  than  be  false  to  my  sovereign, 
even  if  she  were  not  so  beautiful,  gracious  and  illustrious  as  she 
is.  Your  Highness  can  depend  upon  me  and  these  brave  fellows. 
They  will  give  a  good  account  of  themselves,  even  if  they  must  be 
defeated. 

ALL — Hurrah  for  General  Fritz ! 

D — I  hope  for  the  best, 

F — I  will  bring  back  the  sword  in  honor  or  die  with  it. 

D — Speak  not  of  your  death  ;  the  thought  of  it  makes  me  un- 
happy. You  will  return  in  triumph.  I  feel  like  celebrating  the 
victory  in  advance.  Let  me  sing  tke  song  of  the  sabre.  She  sings 
The  Sabre  of  My  Sire. 

"  Lo,  here  the  sabre  of  my  sire, 

Take  thou  and  hang  it  at  thy  side. 
High  does  thy  valiant  soul  aspire 

Well  may  this  sword  become  thy  pride 


24 

Lo,  here  the  sabre  of  my  sire, 

Take  thou  and  hang  it  at  thy  side, 

Thy  star,  I  fear  not,  may  it's  fire 

Thee  well  and  hearty  homeward  guide. 

When  first  to  battle  pa  was  starting, 
If  what  he  said  may  be  believed, 

From  my  dear  mother,  ere  departing, 
This  dreadful  weapon  he  received. 

For  in  the  battle  should'st  thou  perish, 

I  very  much  begin  to  doubt, 
If  I  by  all  that  I  most  cherish— 

[I  had  well  nigh  let  something  out.]" 

Lo,  here  the  sabre,  etc. 

Curtain  falls. 


ACT  III. 

A  hall  in  the  Palace.  At  the  right  front,  a  door  leading 
to  the  apartments  of  the  Grand  Duchess.  At  the  right  middle 
a  secret  door  hidden  by  a  picture  representing  a  knight  in  complete 
steel,  another  picture  opposite.  A  door  at  the  left  front  ;  at  the 
rear  a  bay  window,  with  curtains,  opening  on  a  gallery.  A  frame 
for  embroidery  on  the  left. 

SCENE  I.— Iza,  Charlotte,  Amelia,  Olga,  and  other  Maids  of 
Honor,  sitting  and  sewing.  An  usher  stands  at  the  door  of  apart- 
ments of  i he  Grand  Duchess. 

IZA — The  news  is  glorious. 

AMELIA — The  great  victory  fiFs  everybody  with  rejoicing. 

I— The  best  of  it  is  that  all  the  officers  of  the  General's  Staff 
are  safe. 

A — Looking  at  Iza.     Especially  Captain  Wesco. 

OLGA — Looking  at  Amelia.    Yes,  and  Lieutenant  Kaufman. 

I — We  all  have  friends  in  the  army,  and  we  shall  soon  have 
letters  from  them.  They  know  how  anxious  we  are 

NEPOMUCK— Entering  at  the  left  with  letters,  which  Tie  distri- 
butes. Permit  me  to  pass  on  the  personal  service  of  the  Grand 
Duchess.  He  goes  out  at  the  right  front. 


25 

The  ladies  read  and  kiss  their  letters.  Enter  Prince  Paul, 
Grog,  Nepomuck,  Bourn  and  Puck. 

PRINCE  PAUL — To  Grog.  Come,  Baron,  I  assure  you  you  will 
be  received  to-day. 

GROG — I  hope  so,  Any  Prince. 

PR  P — You  have  a  letter  of  credentials  from  my  papa. 

G — Showing  it.    Here  it  is. 

PR  P — That's  all  right.  Good  morning,  ladies.  He  bows  to 
them. 

AMELIA — Laughing.    Good  morning,  Prince  Paul. 

CHARLOTTE — Laughing.    Poor  Prince. 

IZA — Laughing     Prince,  I  sympathize  with  you. 

PR  P — To  Grog.     They  are  mocking  me. 

G — 1  understand  them. 

PR  P — To  Grog.  I  cannot  be  angry.  To  the  Ladies — Ladies, 
I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  Baron  Grog,  the  Embassador  of 
my  papa. 

LADIES — Courtesying.    Welcome,  Baron. 

G — Bolting.     At  your  service,  ladies. 

PR  P — He  has  a  letter  requesting  an  audience  to-day. 

I— To-day  ? 

PR  P — Certainly.  Will  you  do  me  the  pleasure  to  inform  her 
Highness  that  Baron  Grog  is  here. 

OLGA — Prince,  Maids  of  Honor  do  not   carry   such  messages. 

C — You  must  address  yourself  to  an  aid-de-camp. 

Enter  Nepomuck,  at  right. 

A — Here  is  one. 

NEPOMUCK — There  is  great  news.  General  Fritz  will  have  a 
grand  reception  in  an  hour  from  now  in  honor  oi  his  great  vic- 
tory. Her  Highness  is  delighted.  He  takes  four  steps  forward. 
She  is  highly  delighted.  Takes  four  steps  forward.  She  is  de- 
lighted beyond  measure.  He  crosses  the  stage  and  goes  out  excitedly 
at  the  left. 

I — Joyously.    They  will  all  be  here.     We  shall  see  them  soon. 

Bourn  and  Puck  enter  at  the  left.  The  usher  follows  them  and 
remains  at  the  door. 

PUCK — Ladies,  the  Grand  Duchess  is  waiting  for  you. 

BOUM — She  waits  impatiently  for  you.  , 

The  ladies  enter  at  the  right.  Bourn  and  Puck  greet  Prince 
Paul. 

PR  P — Well,  what  news  about  Baron  Grog  ? 
P — Make  yourself  easy  ;  he  will  be  taken, 
PR  P — What  do  you  mean  ? 
P — I  mean  he  will  be  received. 

B — Usher,  introduce  the  Baron,  as  you  were  instructed.  To 
Grog.  You  enter  there. 


26 

G — Bowing.    He  goes  to  tJie  door. 

PR    — Folloiving.     Now,  Grog:,  do  not  spare  your  eloquence. 
Q-rog,  preceded  by  the  usher,  goes  out  at  the  right. 

PR  P — Coming  back  to  the  middle  of  the  stage,  with  a  pleased 
manner.  At  last,  gentlemen. 

P— At  last  what  ? 

PR  P — You  cannot  imagine  how  I  am  agitated.  She  consents 
to  receive  Baron  Grog.  I  see  him  in  my  mind's  eye.  He  is  now 
passing  through  the  grand  hall  ;  now  he  enters  the  little  reception 
room. 

B— Yes 

PR  P— He  passes  through  the  little  reception  room. 

P— Yes. 

PR  P — He  turns  to  the  left.  Bourn  and  Puck  shake  their 
heads.  He  has  reached  the  grand  reception  room,  the  door  opens, 
he  is  announced,  he  is  now  in  the  presence  of  the  Grand  Duchess. 

B— That's  all  in  your  eye.  That's  not  the  way  of  it.  He  did 
not  turn  to  the  left.  He  turned  to  the  right  and  found  himself  in 
the  presence  of  a  staircase  ;  just  now  he  is  ascending,  next  he  will 
traverse  half  a  dozen  halls  and  be  in  the  presence  of  another  stair- 
case, which  he  will  descend.  He  will  re-traverse,  re  ascend,  re  de- 
scend. 

P — Re-ascend  a  second  time. 

PR  P — Re-descend  a  second  time. 

P — Et  cetera,  et  cetera,  till  he  comes  to  a  little  door  standing 
wide  open,  and  there  Grog  will  find  his  carriage  with  its  door 
open,  and  the  usher  will  invite  him  to  enter  and  come  back 
another  day. 

PR  P — Is  that  the  order  of  her  Highness  T 

P — That's  her  order. 

PR  P— She  has  dared  ? 

P — Of  course,  she  dares  anything.  But,  Prince,  you  must  be 
foolish.  Permit  me  to  say,  with  all  due  respect,  it  was  very  foolish 
to  suppose  that  Grog  could  have  an  audience  at  the  moment  when 
her  Highness  was  preparing  to  receive  her  victorious  General 
Fritz.  She  has  enough  to  do  to  frizz  herself  for  the  reception. 

PR  P — Angrily.    Fritz  again.     Curse  that  Fritz. 

B — Maliciously.  He  will  be  here  in  a  few  minutes,  and  he 
will  triumph. 

PR  V— Angrily.    Well,  let  him  triumph.    But  after  that  ? 

BOUM  AND  PUCK— What  after  that  ? 

PR  P-  -Nothing,  nothing ;  I  do  not  mean  anything.  He  retires 
to  the  rear. 

P — To  Bourn.    He  did  mean  something. 

B — Low  to  Puck.  Let  us  draw  him  out.  We'll  conspire  with 
him. 

P — I  am  with  you. 

Cannon  shots  are  heard. 


27 

B — Drawing  his  sword  and  flourishing  it  furiously.  The 
enemy !  The  enemy  !  I  will  cut  them  to  pieces  ! 

P — No,  that's  not  the  enemy.     It's  our  enemy. 

PR  P — Coming  forward.    It's  General  Fritz. 

B — Quietly.  Pardon  me,  my  friends,  I  have  done  nothing  for 
two  weeks.  I  am  homesick  for  the  camp. 

Iht  curtains  at  the  rear  open  and  the  Court  enters  preceded  by 
two  ushers.  After  all  have  taken  their  places,  the  Grand  Duchess 
enters  from  the  right,  preceded  by  two  pages,  followed  by  her  Maids  of 
Honor,  who  stay  on  the  right  ;  tico  little  negroes  carry  the  train  of 
her  dress.  At  the  sight  of  her,  Prince  Paul,  Bourn  and  Puck  rush 
forward  and  make  low  bows  to  her.  Two  ushers  bring  from  the  right 
the  ducal  cJiair,  and  a  footstool,  which  they  place  at  the  right,  and 
then  retire  to  the  rear,  where  they  stand  at  each  side  of  the  door. 
The  Grand  Duchess  seats  herself  in  the  chair,  with  her  maids  of 
Honor  on  each  side.  Fritz  enters  at  the  rear,  followed  by  a  brilliant 
staff,  including  Kurtz.  He  approaches  the  Grand  Duchess  and 
bends  his  knee  before  her.  She  with  difficulty  restrains  her  emotion. 

FRITZ — Madame,  in  four  days  the  campaign  was  commenced 
and  itoded  Your  soldiers  won  a  decisive  victory;  we  dictated 
terms  to  the  enemy,  and  I  have  the  pleasure  to  return  to  you  the 
sabre  of  your  sire  covered  with  higher  honor.  He  rises,  motions  to 
an  officer  with  the  sabre  to  approach;  takes  it  from  him  and  gives  it 
to  lier. 

DUCHESS — Welcome  again,  sabre  of  my  sire.  She  kisses  it,  and 
gices  it  to  Nepomuck  who  approaches  on  her  right.  To  Nepomuck. 
Put  it  in  my  museum.  To  Fritz.  And  you,  my  victorious  Gen- 
eral, tell  us  more  of  your  glorious  exploits. 

F — Good  luck  helped  us.  Having  a  train  loaded  with  beer,  I 
I  poured  some  brandy  into  every  barrel,  and  sent  the  train  past  the 
key  of  the  enemy's  position.  They  captured  the  train  ;  the  sol- 
diers got  drunk  ;  we  attacked  them,  and  getting  a  start  carried 
everything  before  us 

D — Your  strategy  is  equal  to  your  bravery. 

F — For  the  strategy  give  credit  to  Colonel  Kurtz,  the  Chief  of 
my  staff. 

Kurtz  bows. 

D — I  thank  him  and  will  remember  him.  To  Nepomuck. 
Prepare  the  red  chambers  in  the  right  wing  for  the  use  of  Gen- 
eral Fritz.  To  the  Court.  Ladies  and  gentlemen,  this  ceremony  is 
ended.  The  interest  of  our  Grand  Duchy  require  that  we  should 
have  some  confidential  conversation  with  General  Fritz,  and  we 
will  now  permit  you  to  retire. 

PR  P — Low  to  Puck.     Alone  with  him  ! 

B — Low.     She  don't  waste  time. 

P — To  the  Prince.     Will  you  submit  to  this  ? 

PR  P — Low.    How  can  I  help  myself? 

The  courtiers  go  out  at  the  rear;  Prince  Paul,  Puck  arid  Bourn, 


23 

arm  in  arm,  follow  them  ami  close  the  curtains  at  the  rear.  The 
Maids  of  Honor,  negroes  and  pages  go  out  at  the  right,  leading  the 
Duchess  and  Fritz  alone. 

D — We  are  alone. 

F — Looking  round.    That's  so. 

D— General  ? 

F— Your  Highness? 

D — I  am  glad  to  see  you  again. 

F— So  am  I. 

D— Thanks. 

F — Oh,  no  thanks  ;  no  cause  for  them. 

D — I  congratulate  myself  on  what  I  have  done.  When  I  first 
saw  you,  you  were  only  a  private  soldier. 

F — Nothing  but  a  poor  private. 

D — And  I  have  made  you  Commander-in-chief ;  and  you  have 
conquered  the  enemy. 

F — By  Venus,  that's  so. 

D — Shall  we  speak  of  the  recompense  for  your  services. 

F — If  you  wish,  but  what's  the  use  ? 

D_How  ? 

F — I'm  already  Commander-in-chief,  and  I  dont  see  any  chance 
for  promotion. 

D— Think  a  little. 

F — By  Venus,  I  can't  imagine.  I  have  the  highest  rank  in  the 
army,  and  that's  the  end  of  a  soldier's  fancy. 

D — In  the  army  that's  true,  but — 

F— But  what? 

D — There  is  the  civil  service. 

F — Oh  !  ah !  by  Venus,  I  don't  comprehend.  But  if  you  have 
any  honor  that  you  wish  me  to  accept,  I  will  take  it  all  the  same. 

D — In  the  first  place  you  will  lodge  in  the  palace ;  that  was 
decided  this  morning  on  the  proposition  of  General  Bourn. 

F — Laughing.    On  his  proposition ! 

D — Certainly  the  idea  occurred  to  him  by  my  order. 

F — Laughing.     It  must  have  made  him  furious. 

D — Do  you  want  me  to  banish  him  ? 

F — Oh  no,  he  is  not  malicious  at  the  bottom.  Laughing.  He 
would  have  been  a  good  friend  to  me  if  it  had  not  been  for  the 
girls.  They  made  all  the  trouble. 

D— The  girls. 

F — Yes,  they  make  all  the  trouble  everywhere. 

D — You  seem  to  get  along  very  well. 

F — Very  weli,  I  thank  you. 

D — I  mean  with  the  girls. 

F — I  don't  understand  you. 

D — No  matter, 

F— But  what  did  you  say  ? 


29 

D — The  peasant  women.  I  envy  them.  When  one  falls  in 
love  with  a  neighbor,  she  can  go  to  him  and  tell  him. 

F — "  My  dear  boy,  I  love  you." 

D — And  give  him  a  good  slap  on  the  shoulder  for  emphasis. 
She  slaps  him  on  the  shoulder.  But  in  our  sphere  it  is  different, 
when  we  fall  in  love,  we  must  use  circumlocution,  and  try  to  con- 
vey the  idea  by  hints.  For  example,  a  lady  of  my  Court  has  fallen 
in  love  with  you. 

F — Of  your  Court  ?    Oh,  you're  joking. 

D — No  I'm  very  serious,  and  instead  of  going  to  you  and 
telling  you 

F — With  a  good  slap  on  the  shoulder. 

D — She  has  told  me. 

F— Told  you  ? 

D— Told  me. 

F — Then  she  wants  an  intrigue. 

D — No,  she's  serious,  she  wants  to  marry  you. 

F — Laughing.  All  the  women  are  in  love  with  me.  One 
wanted  to  kiss  me  this  morning.  This  new  one  is  ridiculous. 

D — Angrily.     How  ? 

F — Aside  The  devil,  she's  offended.  Aloud.  No,  I  did  not 
mean  that.  But  tell  me,  about  this  lady.  Is  she  pretty  ? 

D — My  courtiers  tell  me  she  is  very  handsome.  As  to  her 
position,  we  will  not  speak  of  that. 

F— Why  not  ? 

D — Let  us  speak  of  yourself,  of  course  you  want  to  keep  the 
rank  and  honors  which  I  have  conferred  upon  you. 

F — Put  yourself  in  my  place. 

D — How  would  you  like  to  have  a  position  from  which  you 
could  not  be  removed. 

F — Could  not  be  removed.  I  do  not  understand.  That  would 
be  a  new  grade. 

D — Well,  you  must  know  that  the  lady  of  whom  I  have  been 
speaking  is — is  powerful  enough  to  obtain  for  you  all  you  want. 

F — By  Venus,  I  wonder  who  she  is. 

D — Your  future  is  in  her  hands.  Now  I  am  sure  you  will 
know  whom  I  mean. 

She  passes  to  the  left. 

F — One  word  more  and  I  will  understand. 

D— What  word  ? 

F — Her  name  ? 

D — Her  name  ? 

F — Yes,  her  name. 

D — It  may  be  guessed  but  not  spoken. 

F — By  Venus,  I'm  bothered,  why  can't  your  Highness  tell  me? 

D — Smiling.     Can't  you  guess  ? 

F — I  am  not  good  at  conundrums. 

D — Look  at  me  and  think. 


30 

F— She  told  you  to  tell  me  ? 

D — And  your  future  depends  on  her  favor. 

F — Tell  her  I  am  a  thousand  times  obliged 

D— I  will  tell  her. 

F — Tell  her  I  would  like  t-t  see  her. 

D — You  have  seen  her  to-day. 

F — Oh,  yes,  one  of  your  Court  ladies  ;  but  I  would  like  to  see 
her  alone. 

D — You  have  seen  her  alone. 

F— To  day  ? 

D — Yes,  to-day. 

F — Oh  I  understand  it  now. 

D — I'm  delighted  you  understand  at  last.  You  are  a  darling 
fellow.  She  goes  up  and  places  her  hands  on  his  shoulders. 

F — Yes  I  understand,  but  I  don't  like  her. 

D — Drawing  back     Don't  like  her  ? 

F — Not  a  bit.  She's  ugly.  She  wanted  to  kiss  me  when  I 
went  out  to  put  on  my  captain's  uniform. 

D — Who  do  you  mean? 

F — That  girl  with  a  mole  on  her  chin.  I  met  her  in  the  next 
room  when  I  came  here  this  morning.  But  I  did  not  know  she 
had  any  influence. 

D —  Vexed,  passes  to  the  right  then  back.  You're  enough  to  try 
the  patience  of  a  saint. 

F — You  look  like  one. 

D — I'm  nothing  but  flesh  and  blood. 

F — I  suppose  so. 

D — Put  your  arms  around  me  and  feel. 

F — I'm  afraid;  You're  like  the  sun  in  the  heavens  to  me. 

D — A  man  must  never  be  afraid  of  a  woman. 

F— I'm  not  afraid  of  Wanda. 

D — The  plague  take  Wanda.  I  don't  want  to  ever  hear  her 
name  again. 

F — I'll  never  speak  of  her  any  more.  I  do  not  think  of  her 
when  I'm  with  you. 

D — Sit  down  and  be  comfortable.  I  want  to  talk  with  you. 
He  sits,  she  places  her  hands  on  his  shoulders  and  twists  him  to  suit 
her.  She  has  her  arms  round  his  neck.  Are  you  afraid  of  me  now? 

F — I'm  in  awe  of  your  Highness. 

D — Putting  her  hand  under  his  chin.  Am  I  like  the  sun  in  the 
Heavens  ?  Aside.  How  handsome  he  is! 

F — Well  if  that  lady  has  so  much  influence,  I  must  go  to  see 
her  and — and 

D— And  what  ? 

F — I  don't  know.    I  begin  to  think  of  Wanda. 

D— Wanda.    Do  you  still  think  of  Wanda  ? 

F — Oh  yes,  when  I'm  not  with  you. 

D — And  when  you're  with  me  ! 


31 

F — Then  I  can't  think  of  anybody  else  ! 

D — Crossing  to  the  left  and  sitting  down.  Come  here  to  me. 
Pointing  to  the  foot  stool  at  her  feet.  He  kneels  on  it.  So  you  think 
I'm  Jike  the  Sun  in  the  Heaven  ? 

F — Yes  your  Highness. 

D — Suppose  the  lady  that  loves  you,  would  come  and  caress 
you,  what  would  you  do  ? 

F — The  girl  with  a  mole  on  her  chin? 

1) — That's  not  the  one. 

F — I  thought  yt)u  said  she  was  the  one. 

D — Oh  no ;  this  is  a  handsome  lady  of  high  position.  Can't 
you  guess  who  she  is? 

F — I  can't  imagine. 

D — Could  you  if  she  would  hug  you  like  this  ? 

F — If  you  would  tell  me  her  name. 

D — You're  stupid. 

F — I  know  it;  that's  why  they  made  a  soldier  of  me. 

D — And  why  do  the  girls  all  like  you  then  ? 

F — By  Venus  I  never  understood. 

D — By  Venus  ?    That's  a  nice  oath. 

F — I  don't  know  what  it  means. 

D — Don't  kn<>w  what  it  means?  Where  did  you  learn  it. 

F — Wanda  taught  me. 

D — Was  that  all  she  taught  ? 

F — Was  there  anything  more  to  learn  ? 

D — Could'nt  you  learn  to  ret  urn  a  car  ess?  She  passes  her  hand 
over  Jiis  c?ieek  and  neck. 

F — Oh  you  tickle  me. 

D — I  beg  your  pardon. 

F — There's  no  offense  I  assure  you,  but — 

D— But  what  ? 

Enter  Nepomuck. 
NEPOMUCK — Your  Highness. 

Fritz  rises  and  passet  to  the  left. 

D — Rising  angrily.  My  orders  to  you  were  that  no  one  should 
be  admitted  till  I  called. 

NEPOMUCK — Advancing.  Baron  Stein,  the  chief  «f  your  detec- 
tive police  is  in  waiting. 

I) — I  made  no  exception. 

N — He  says  his  business  demands  your  immediate  attention . 

D — I  will  attend  to  it  at  another  time. 

N — May  I  leave  a  note  he  gave  me  for  your  Highness  ? 

D — Yes  give  it  to  me.  He  advances,  delivers  it,  and  commences 
to  retire.  Stop.  It  may  require  an  answer.  Aside  Looking  at 
Fritz.  He's  too  stupid.  I  must  drop  him.  I  wonder  whether 
there's  anything  the  matter  with  him.  He  is  handsome  though. 


32 

She  opens  and  reads  the  letter.  Public  scandal.  Wanda  in  the 
General's  tent.  That  will  give  an  excuse  to  break  him.  Aloud  to 
Nepomuck.  Tell  Baron  Stein  that  he  will  be  admitted  in  ten 
minutes  from  this  time,  into  the  small  hall. 

Nepomuck  goes  out, 

F — Advancing.    Your  Highness. 

D — General  your  audience  is  closed  now.  She  goes  out  at  the 
right  front. 

Enter  Puck,  Bourn  and  Paul.     They  do  not  see  Fritz. 

F — Aside.     I  wonder  what  they  are  after. 

PUCK — Observing  Fritz.  Low  to  Bourn  and  Prince.  There 
he  is. 

NEPOMUCK — Entering.    General. 

BOUM — Low.    He  will  be  in  our  way. 

F — What  is  it  Captain? 

N — Her  highness  will  be  busy  with  civil  affairs  for  the  remain- 
der of  the  day.  I  will  show  you  your  apartments.  He  returns  and 
stops  in  the  rear. 

P — Low  to  Prince  Paul.    In  the  right  wing. 

F — Lead  the  way  Captain.  He  turns  to  the  three  and  bows. 
Good  day  gentlemen.  They  bow  in  return. 

F — To  Bourn.     The  poor  private  has  had  a  little  promotion. 

B — He  didn't  deserve  it. 

F — Bah;  you're  no  soldier. 

Bourn  advances  threateningly.    Puck  catches  and  calms  him.      Fritz 
goes  out  at  the  rear  and  Nepomuck  follows. 

P — To  Paul.  She  has  assigned  apartments  in  the  right  wing 
to  him.  Do  you  understand  that  ? 

PKINCE  PAUL — What  ie  there  about  the  right  wing  ? 

P — It  has  a  history. 

PR  P — I  never  heard  it. 

P — About  a  hundred  years  ago  a  Grand  Duchess  who  reigned 
in  Regolstein  had  a  plebeian  lover  whom  she  lodged  in  the  right 
wing.  Her  scandalous  conduct  provoked  the  nobility  and  conspir- 
ators entered  his  chamber  by  a  secret  passage  and  assassinated  him. 

PR  P— What  interest  has  that  story  for  us  ? 

P — I  know  that  pa  sage;  it  starts  from  this  room. 

B — W<  must  assassinate  this  upstart  Fritz  ;  a  mere  peasant 
usurping  offices  that  belong  to  nobility. 

PR  P — I  will  hire  a  man  in  my  place. 

P — No  you  must  go  with  us. 

B — Yes  we  must  make  sure  work  of  it.  He  draws  his  sword 
and  begins  to  whet  it  on  the  floor. 

PR  P— Oh  !  not  now,  I  must  drink  a  bottle  of  brandy  first. 

P — No  not  now. 


33 

B — Putting  up  Ms  sword.  But  it  is  agreed  tliat  we  three  shall 
despatch  him. 

P — It  is  agreed. 
PR  P — Yes  agreed. 

Enters  Grand  Duchess  at  the  rear,  unobserved. 

P — Remember  this  conspiracy  must  be  kept  secret. 

B — Yes,  yes. 

PR  P — I  want  to  bring  in  Baron  Grog. 

P— That's  all  right,  but  as  to  outsiders,  not  a  word  about  any 
important  event  expected,  no  threats,  no  impoliteess,  no  change 
in  the  ordinary  habits:  are  you  agreed  to  that  ? 

B  and  PR  P— Yes,  yes. 

P — We  want  no  women  in  it. 

B — Plague  take  the  worm  n. 

P — That's  what  I  say. 

DUCHESS—  Coming  forward.    I  object. 

P — We  are  lost. 

PR  P — Spare  us  your  Highness. 

D — Tell  me  what  your  conspiracy  is. 

P — Didn't  you  hear  all  the  conversation  ? 

D — Only  a  few  sentences.  You  are  conspiring  against  Gen- 
eral Fritz,  and  if  that  is  all  I  am  willing  to  join  you. 

B — Bah;  hang  us  at  @nce. 

P — To  Duchess.     You  do  not  me'an  to  join  us  ? 

D — Yes  I  do  ;  I  am  tired  of  General  Fritz  and  want  an  excuse 
for  breaking  him.  It  is  of  no  use  to  try  to  make  a  gentleman  out 
of  him. 

PR  P — I  told  you  so. 

D — You  guessed  right  for  once.     What  is  your  plan  ? 

P — We  have  not  made  any  yet. 

D — Devise  something  as  soon  as  you  like. 

P — We  will  lose  no  time. 

D — Prince,  where  is  the  Embassador  of  your  father? 

PR  P — Baron  Grog  is  waiting  for  an  audience. 

D — Send  him  to  me. 

PR  P— When? 

D — Immediately  if  you  please. 

PR  P — May  I  guess  your  purpose? 

D — Yes.    She  gives  Mm  her  hand.    He  kneels  and  kisses  it 

Puck  befiind  them  holds  up  his  hands  to  "bless  them. 
Curtain  falls. 


34 

ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I— Same  Hall  as  in  previous  Act. 
Kurtz  and  Fritz. 

FRITZ — Well  cousin,  are  you  satisfied  with  me  ? 

KURTZ — You  have  achieved  great  success  in  a  short  t  me. 

F — .And  they  all  said  at  home  I  was  a  fool. 

K — You  owe  more  to  your  good  looks  than  your  brains. 

F — And  more  to  your  brains  than  to  my  good  looks. 

K — The  Grand  Duchess  gave  you  a  magnificent  reception 
to-day. 

F — But  when  I  left  she  seemed  to  be  out  of  humor. 

K — How  was  that  ? 

F — I  could  not  understand  it.  She  gave  me  a  private  audience 
you  know,  and  she  talked  to  me  about  a  great  lady  of  the  court 
that  was  in  love  with  me,  and  that  could  give  me  offices  that  would 
be  m movable. 

K — That's  clear  enough. 

F — She  got  angry  wken  I  spoke  of  Wanda. 

K — Jealous. 

F — And  she  wanted  to  know  what  I  would  do  if  that  lady  put 
her  arms  round  my  neck  as  she  did 

K — You  don't  mean  the  Grand  Duchess  put  her  arms  round 
your  neck  ? 

F — Yes ;  and  I  wanted  to  know  what  lady  it  was  that  loved 
me,  and  she  would  not  tell. 

K — Perdition  !  And  you  did  not  return  her  caress?  Couldn't 
you  see  she  was  the  one  that  loves  you  ? 

F — The  Duchess  in  love  with  me !  I  am  only  a  poor  farmer's 
son  She  is  to  marry  Prince  Paul. 

K — Only  a  farmer's  son  !  You  have  beauty,  a  charming:  smile, 
a  chatty  tongue,  aud  are  in  the  first  flush  of  manhood.  What  are 
all  the  treasures  of  wealth  and  rank  against  such  a  combination 
when  a  young  and  amorous  woman  has  to  make  her  choice?  Did 
you  not  know  that  the  Grand  Duchess  was  in  love  with  you  when 
she  promoted  you  to  be  Corporal  ?  She  wants  to  marry  you.  She 
hates  Prince  Paul. 

F— Marry  me !     How  should  I  know  ? 

K — Curse  the  luck!  The  men  are  all  fools  with  women. 
Some  are  too  fast  and  the  others  too  slow.  When  you  left  Her 
Highness,  did  she  tell  you  when  you  could  see  her  again? 

F — Yes.  We  were  interrupted  by  a  message  from  Baron  Stein, 
and  she  told  me  to  come  back  in  half  an  hour ;  but  afterward  she 
sent  word  that  she  could  not  see  me  to-day. 

K — We  are  on  the  verge  of  ruin.  Stein.  Puck,  Bourn  and 
Prince  Paul  have  been  holding  meetings,  and  they  are  conspiring 
against  you.  Try  to  see  the  Grand  Duchess  immediately.  Tell 
her  you  were  confused,  but  that  you  understand  now,  and  you 


35 

would  like  to  »  how  how  you  would  return  the  caress  of  the  lady 
that  loves  you. 

F  —  And  shall  I  do  just  as  I  would  with  Wanda? 

K  —  Exactly,  but  with  more  boldness.  She  has  committed 
herself,  and  you  cannot  go  too  far  or  too  fast  now.  Anything 
rather  than  let  her  love  change  into  anger. 

F  —  She  sent  word  that  I  could  not  see  her  to-day. 

K  —  If  she  loves  you  yet,  she  will  take  no  offence  at  you  for 
seeking  her  company  ;  if  she  dees  not,  you  will  not  command  her 
army  to  morrow.  There  is  no  half  way  with  such  a  woman.  Risk 
your  neck  to  see  her  to-day. 

F  —  I'll  do  it.  But  what  is  to  become  of  Wanda  ?  I  am  to 
be  married  to  her  to  night. 

K  —  To-night  !  What  in  the  name  of  all  the  furies  does  it  mean? 

F  —  Our  wedding  day  was  fixed  for  to-night  while  I  was  a  pri- 
vate soldier  and  we  never  changed  it. 

K  —  But  you  promised  before  I  planned  your  promotion  that 
you  would  tell  me  everything  and  follow  my  advice  in  everything. 

F  —  I  supposed  you  meant  in  my  conduct  as  a  soldier  and  officer 

K—  The  marriage  of  a  handsome  officer  may  have  a  most  im- 
portant influence  on  his  official  life.  Well,  seethe  Grand  Duchess 
at  once  and  then  come  and  tell  me.  If  she  receives  you  with  favor, 
confess  that  you  are  engaged  to  be  married  to  Wanda  to-day,  and 
she  will  forbid  the  match.  That  will  release  you.  If  she  does  not 
receive  you  with  favor,  it  does  not  make  any  difference  whether 
you  marry  Wanda  or  not.  Lose  no  time. 

They  go  out. 

DUCHESS  —  Entering  with  Nepomuck,  and  seating  herself  in  the 
Ducal  Chair.  I  am  now  ready  to  receive  Baron  Grog.  Nepomuck 
goes  out.  I  must  give  him  an  audience,  but  I  will  cut  it  short.  I 
hate  all  the  men.  Prince  Paul  is  a  fool  every  way,  and  I  don't 
know  whether  General  Fritz  is  a  fool  or  wants  to  insult  me.  I'll 
punish  him  any  how. 

NEPOMUCK  —  Entering  ivith  Baron  Grog.  Baron  Grog,  Embassa- 
dor  of  His  Serene  Highness,  the  Prince  of  Krauserkohl.  He  goes 
out. 

D  —  Starting.  Your  Excellency  is  welcome.  Aside.  He's 
nicer  than  Fritz. 

GROG  —  Bowing.    Thanks. 

D  —  I  regret  that  your  reception  was  delayed  so  long. 

G  —  I  trust  that  the  interests  of  my  Prince  have  not  suffered 
on  that  account, 

D  —  Such  an  advocate  would  have  much  influence  with  me  for 
any  cause. 

G  —You  are  very  kind. 

D  —  Do  not  underestimate  your  own  value.     Such  a  form,  such 


OPTHB 


36 

a  face,  such  a  voice,  suck  taste  in  dress,  such  grace  of  manner, 
would  do  cr  dit  to  the  most  eminent  diplomatist. 

G — Your  liberal  compliments  justify  me  in  hoping  that  you 
are  ready  to  fix  the  time  for  wedding  my  Prince  at  an  early  day. 

D — There  is  no  immediate  haste  about  that.  As  you  are  to  be 
at  my  court  for  awhile,  I  would  like  to  know  something  of  your 
personal  history. 

G — I  draw  a  happy  inference  for  the  result  of  the  negotiations 
entrusted  to  me. 

D — Oh,  bother  the  negotiations  !  Talk  to  old  Puck  about  the 
business,  but  tell  me  about  yourself. 

G — I  have  served  my  reigning  Prince  as  Embassador  at  four 
different  Courts 

D — How  old  are  you  ? 

G— Thirty-five,  your  Highness,  and  have  fifteen  years  of  expe- 
rience in  the  diplomatic  service,  part  of  the  time  as  clerk  in  the 
foreign  office,  besides — 

D — Interrupting.  Would  you  not  like  to  live  here  better  than 
in  Krauserkohl  ? 

G — Yes,  if  the  conditions  were  favorable. 

D — That  is,  if  your  home  surroundings  were  satisfactory  ? 

G — Yes,  and  my  official  station. 

D — You  would  not  object  to  receiving  favors  at  my  hands  ? 

G — I  should  be  most  happy. 

D — And  you  have  no  obligation  elsewhere  ? 

G — None,  save  that  to  my  Prince,  who  would  doubtless  com- 
ply with  any  suggestion,  or,  if  I  might  hope  so  much,  with  any 
wish  of  your  Highness. 

D — You  shall  be  promot-d. 

G — Many  thanks.  That  is  abundant  reward  for  all  I  can  do 
to  hasten  the  wedding  of  my  Prince. 

D — There,  you  are  getting  off  into  business  again.  Leave  that 
till  another  time.  What  Is  your  rank  at  your  home  court  ? 

G — Chamberlain . 

D — Only  a  chamberlain?  Would  you  accept  a  better  position 
at  my  court  ? 

G — With  pleasure. 

D — And  renounce  all  allegiance  to  Krauserkohl  ? 

G — If  your  Highness  desires,  and  will  accept  me  as  a  subject. 

D — I  do  desire  it.  And  there  is  nothing  to  prevent  you  from 
entering  my  personal  service,  and  devoting  yourself  to  it  entirely  ? 

G — I  am  happy  to  say  there  is  nothing. 

D — And  will  you  fill  any  position  in  my  court  that  I  may 
designate  to  you,  so  long  as  it  is  more  honorable  and  lucrative  than 
that  of  chamberlain  at  Krauserkohl  ? 

G — My  obedience  shall  reach  to  adoration.  You  are  the  most 
charming  lady,  as  well  as  the  most  gracious  sovereign,  I  ever  saw. 


37 

D — I  see  that  you  understand  me.  We  are  congenial  spirits. 
Have  you  a  large  estate  to  sustain  the  dignity  of  your  rank  ? 

G — I  am  sorry  to  say  that,  like  my  Prince,  I  am  very  poor. 

D— I  will  see  to  that,  too.  You  must  not  be  afraid  of  n,e  be- 
cause I  am  a  Grand  Duchess. 

G — Love,  not  fear,  must  be  the  prevailing  sentiment  of  every 
man  that  sees  you, 

D — And  of  every  woman  that  sees  you. 

G — Ah,  your  Highness  does  not  mean  it. 

D — I  will  prove  that  I  do. 

N — Entering  from  the  left.  General  Fritz  and  Baron  Stein 
solicit  audiences. 

D — Do  they  come  together? 

N — No,  your  Highness,  separately. 

D — Tell  General  Fritz  to  come  to-morrow,  and  say  to  Baron 
Stein  that  I  will  receive  him  soon. 

Nepomuck  goes  out. 

D — Pleasant  as  this  interview  has  been  to  me,  it  must  come  to 
an  end.  Remember  that  you  are  not  to  belong  to  Krauserkohl 
any  more.  I  intend  to  appropriate  you,  but  keep  that  to  yourself 
till  the  decisive  moment. 

G — I  shall  remember. 

D — I  hope  you  will  not  take  part  in  that  conspiracy. 

G — I  cannot  entirely  withdraw  without  discredit. 

D — Keep  out  of  danger  for  my  sake. 

G — For  whose  sake  should  I  go  into  danger  if  not  for  yours? 

D — Promise  me  to  be  careful. 

G — I  promise. 

D — '  'ome  to  see  me  to-morrow  morning  at  ten. 

G — I  shall  wait  impatiently  for  the  hour,  and  now  take  my 
leave.  He  goes  out. 

NEPOMUCK — Entering.  General  Fritz  says  he  has  urgent 
business. 

D — I  do  not  want  to  see  him. 

Fritz  enters  and  advances. 

D — You  dare  to  enter  without  my  permission  ? 

FRITZ — Your  Highness. 

D — Not  a  word.     Leave ! 

He  kneels  on  one  knee  and  looks  at  Tier  pitecusly. 

D — Have  you  forgotten  how  to  obey  orders  ? 

F — Rising  and  beginning  to  retire.  I  hoped  that  I  might  say  a 
few  words  to  my  gracious  sovereign. 

D — To  Nepomuck.  Tell  Baron  Stein  that  I  wish  to  see  him  soon. 
Nepomuck  goes  out.  To  Fritz  I  sent  word  to  you  that  I  could  not 
see  you  again  to-day. 

F — I  hoped  for  a  little  indulgence — 

D — You  have  had  too  much. 


F — On  the  day  of  my  return  from  a  victorious  campaign. 

D — You  have  had  my  thanks  in  public 

j1 — I  fancied  that  I  had  your  personal,  as  well  as  official  favor. 

D — And  ii  you  had,  what  would  it  have  to  do  with  this 
interview  ? 

j? — I  came  to  ask  a  little  service. 

D_ What  is  it? 

jr — I  have  a  message  for  the  lady  of  whom  you  spoke  to  me 
this  afternoon. 

D — l  do  not  remember  speaking  of  any  lady. 

F — -Have  I  offend  d  you  beyond  all  hope  of  pardon  ? 

D — What  do  yon  mean? 

F — Your  Highness  said  a  lady  of  the  court  is  in  love  with  me. 

D — It  must  have  been  Wanda  that  told  you  that. 

F — I  was  confused  when  in  your  presence.  I  felt  such  an  awe 
of  your  Majesty  ihat  I  forgot  I  was  a  man. 

D — A  nice  thing  to  forget. 

F— As  I  said  your  Highness  was  like  the  sun  in  the  heavens 
to  me. 

D — That's  what  I  should  be  to  all  of  my  subjects. 

Y — Save  one. 

D— Which  one? 

F — Kneeling  The  one  who  kneels  at  your  feet  with  mortifica- 
tion for  his  own  blindness. 

D — Aside.  He's  much  nicer  than  old  Grog  ;  but  I  must  punish 
him  a  little  more.  A  loud.  Rise,  General,  the  position  is  unbecom- 
ing to  a  man  of  your  rank 

Y— Rising.    May. I  not  sit  at  your  feet? 

D_ Would  not  that  be  undignified? 

F — I  want  no  dignity  save  that  conferred  by  your  smile.  lie 
seats  himself  on  the  foot-stool. 

D — Aside.  He's  a  charming  fellow  after  all.  I  am  yfraid  I 
cannot  hold  out  much  longer.  Aloud.  You  wish  to  leave  a  message 
for  the  lady  that  loves  you. 

F — Yes,  and  to  show  how  I  would  return  her  caress.  He  tries 
to  put  Ms  arms  round  her  neck. 

D — Taking  each  of  his  hands  in  one  of 'her 's,  but  preventing  him 
from  embracing  her.  I  do  not  want  to  carry  a  caress  to  anybody 
else. 

F — I  do  not  wish  you  to  carry  it  far. 

D — You  think  there  will  be  no  misunderstanding  this  time. 

F — 1  am  certain  there  will  not. 

D — How  do  you  know? 

F — I  can  see  it  in  your  eyes. 

D — What  do  you  see  there  ? 

F — A  capacity  to  return  affection. 

D— Of  whom  ? 

F — Of  the  man  whom  you  promoted  through  every  grade  from 


39 

a  private  soldier;  who  owes  everything  in  the  past  and  wants   to 
owe  everything  in  the  future  to  your  bounty. 

D —  Throicing  her  arms  round  his  neck.  You  are  my  darling 
at  last.  He  kisses  her. 

F — I  want  to  be  promoted  to  that  immovable  place. 

D — All  the  pains  of  misunderstood  love  are  past. 

F — And  ail  the  mortification  of  my  stupid  blindness. 

D — You  have  forgotten  the  girl  with  the  mole  on  her  chin. 

F — Spare  me. 

D — And  Wanda? 

F — Starting  back.    Oh,  I  forgot  about  Wanda. 

D — You  said  you  forgot  her  in  my  presence. 

F — Yes  ;  but  I  wan't  to  say  a  few  words  about  her. 

D — I  don't  want  to  hear.     I  don't  like  her. 

F — I'm  engaged  to  be  married  to  her  this  evening 

D — Starting  up.    Angrily.     Sir,  what  does  this  mean  ? 

F — I  want  to  explain. 

D — No  explanations.     Leave  me  this  moment. 

F — But,  your  Highness — 

D — Your  presence  is  an  insult  to  me.  Not  another  word.  She 
rings  a  beU.  Enter  Nepomuck.  To  Nepomuck.  Show  General 
Fritz  to  the  door,  and  send  word  to  Baron  Stein  that  I  want  to  see 
him  at  his  earliest  convenience 

Fritz  goes  out. 

SCENE  2— -The  red  chamber,  of  Gothic  style.  A  door  at  the 
right  front,  another  at  the  left  middle,  and  a  secret  door  hidden  by 
a  picture  at  the  left  rear.  At  the  rear  on  the  left  a  window  ;  at 
the  rear  on  the  right  a  bed  hidden  by  curtains.  Between  the  bed 
and  window,  a  table.  Seats.  Curtains  cover  the  doors  in  front. 
Grand  Duchess  enters  from  the  right  preceded  "by  a  page  bearing  a 
candelabra,  which  he  places  on  the  table. 

DUCHESS — Oh ! 

PUCK— Entering  at  left  front  door.    Oh  ! 
Music  heard  at  a  distance. 

D — You  are  punctual.     What  news  ? 

P — I  have  just  come  from  the  ball.     He's  dancing. 

D — Dancing  on  the  brink  of  destruction.  Will  you  have  time 
to  prepare  for  the — for  the  catastrophe  ? 

P — No  danger.  I  told  him  it  was  your  order  that  he  should 
stay  till  the  end  of  the  ball. 

D — How  did  he  receive  this  order  ? 

P — With  evident  ill-humor.  He  complained  that  it  was  hard 
treatment  for  a  wedding  night. 

D— He  said  that  ? 

P— That's  what  he  said  ? 

D — He  must  love  that  little  minx,  but  I'll  get  even  with  her. 
She  looks  down  at  the  floor. 


40 

p — What  is  your  Highness  looking  at? 

D — That  large  blood  mark.     You  know  what  made  it  ? 

P — Yes  ;  the  servants  tell  the  story  to  all  visitors. 

D — And  expect  a  fee  for  it. 

P — To-morrow  there  will  be  two  blood  marks. 

D — And  a  double  fee  from  the  visitors.  But  where  are  our 
associates  in  the  plot. 

P  —They  are  hidden  there.    Pointing  at  the  secret  door. 

D — I  will  hide  behind  this  curtain,  and  you  can  call  them  in. 

A — That's  •!  good  idea. 

D_Why  do  you  like  it  ? 

p — Its  like  a  conspiracy. 

D — Don't  let  them  know  that  I  am  here.  At  the  last  moment 
if  I  think  it  is  necessary,  I  will  show  myself.  She  hides  behind  a 
curtain. 

P — Is  she  with  us  in  earnest?  Fritz  is  worth  a  dozen  Bourns 
for  the  army.  He  knows  enough  to  submit  to  Kurtz,  but  I  can  not 
manage  him.  What  has  he  done  to  offend  her  ?  Has  he  forgotton 
the  proverb  ''Hell  hath  no  fury  like  a  woman  scorned."  But  if  she 
is  not  with  us,  it  is  now  too  late  for  me  to  draw  back,  and  the  others 
must  take  their  --hances  with  me.  He  opens  the  secret  door.  Come 
in.  Bourn,  Paul,  Grog  and  Nepomuck  enter.  He  closes  the  door. 
Where  are  the  others  ? 

B — They  will  come,  one  by  one.  We  do  not  want  io  attract 
attention. 

P — You  are  right.     To  Nepomuck.     Are  you  with  us. 

NIPOMUCK — Yes,  since  I  know  the  Grand  Duchess  is. 

PRINCE  PAUL — You  are  cunning. 

N — I  am  ambitious. 

P — Give  me  your  hand. 

N — Here  it  is. 

They  shake  hands. 

p — To  Paul.     Pointing  to  Grog.    Is  Baron  Grog  with  us,  too  ? 

PR.  P— Yes. 

B — Welcome. 

They  shake  hands. 

P — I  suppose  Baron  Grog  understands  our  purpose. 

GROG — Perfectly.    I'ts  only  to  kill  a  man. 

PR  P— That's  all. 

P — Yes,  he  must  die  here. 

B — And  now,  drawing  his  sabre,  all  listen  to  me. 

P — What's  the  matter  with  you  ? 

PR  P — Sheathe  your  sword. 

ALL— Yes,  put  it  away. 

B — With  emphasis.  When  you  commence  this  sort  of  busi- 
ness, you  must  finish  it.  If  any  of  you  back  out,  I'll  make  sau- 
sage meat  of  him. 

P — But  nobody  want's  to  back  out. 


41 

B — Threatening  Prince  Paul.     If  you  want  to  back  out — 

PR  P — Put  up  your  sword. 

P — I  tell  you  there  is  no  backing  out.  Can't  you  listen  to 
reason  ? 

~8— Sheathing  hia  sword.     I  have  given  you  fair  notice. 

PR  P— Too  much  of  it. 

DUCHESS — Entering.     Are  your  daggers  all  sharp  ? 

CONSPIRATORS — In  dismay.     Her  Highness  ! 

P — Yes,  gentlemen,  I  am  with  you,  and  was  concealed  there 
to  sustain  your  courage,  but  I  see  it  is  not  necessary. 

N — No,  we  are  all  determined. 

P — Let  him  come,  and  you  will  see. 

B — I  will  make  mince  meat  of  him 

P — 1  have  one  request,  gentlemen. 

P — 8 ay  an  order. 

P — Po  not  strike  him  in  the  face.  To  Bourn  :  Are  your  men 
all  in  their  stations  ? 

B — Yes,  your  Highness. 

P — They  all  understand  at  what  moment  the  attack  is  to  be 
made  ? 

B — Yes,  your  Highness. 

P — And  what  each  is  to  do  ? 

B — Yes,  your  Highness? 

P — To  Grog.     Baron,  please  to  stay  at  luy  side  as  special  guard. 

G — Aside.  She  had  a  long  audience  with  General  Fritz  after 
I  left.  I'm  afraid  of  her  and  him.  Aloud.  I  will  see  that  your 
Highness  .is  not  harmed. 

P — Low,  to  Grog.  It's  not  for  myself  that  I  fear.  Aloud. 
Gen.  Fritz  will  fight. 

G — We  will  overpower  him  with  numbers. 

P — Po  leave  us. 

G — Leave  you  !     Never. 

P — To  Bourn.  We  will  postpone  this  plot.  Pismiss  your 
men. 

P— How? 

P — Let  General  Fritz  live.  Looking  at  Grog.  I'm  not  in  a 
killing  humor  to-day. 

B — But,  your  Highness. 

P — Angrily.     But  what  ? 

B — If  it  were  not  your  Highness'  order,  I  would  say  this  is  an 
intolerable  insult. 

P — It  is  my  order. 

B — After  we  have  all  compromised  ourselves  to  one  another 
and  explained  to  our  men  ! 

PR.  P — I  went  to  the  expense  of  a  conspirator's  dress  suitable 
to  my  rank. 

P — We  have  had  all  the  bother,  and  now  we  are  to  be  robbed 
of  the  pleasure. 


42 

D — Silence  all !     There  is  to  be  no  assassination  to-day. 

B— Why? 

D — It  would  look  bad  on  my  wedding  day. 

ALL — With  astonishment.    Your  wedding  day  ! 

D — My  wedding  day. 

PR  P — With  joy.     My  dear,  I  am  glad  it  has  come. 

D — It  has  come. 

PR.  P — You  have  at  last  consented  ? 

D — Yes;  you  may  thank  the  Baron;  you  owe  much  to  him. 
I  could  not  resist  his  eloquence. 

PR  P — To  the  Baron.  Ah  Baron,  Papa  authorizes  me  to  be- 
stow a  decoration  every  New  Year's  day;  he  likes  that  better  than 
to  give  money;  and  I  shall  not  forget  you. 

G — Thanks,  I  have  no  more  room  on  my  coat  for  decorations. 

D — To  Puck  and  Bourn  who  are  talking  together  with  animation. 
What  have  you  to  say  General  Bourn,  and  you  Baron  Puck  ? 

P — I  agree  with  your  Highness  that  on  the  day  when  you 
bless  the  flames  with  which  the  Prince  has  been  burning  for  you, 
it  would  be  indecorous  to  kill  anybody. 

B — I  do  not  say  the  contrary,  but  it  is  very  disagreeable.  This 
Fritz  has  humiliated  me  in  a  hundred  ways. ,  He  carried  off  my 
plume,  and  a  girl  that  would  have  made  me  happy,  and  I  am  not 
to  be  avenged?  Excitedly.  Where  is  the  enemy  ?  Where  is  my 
revenge? 

D — Interrupting.  Is  that  all!  Well  take  your  revenge,  but 
don't  go  beyond  the  limits  of — of — 

P — Of  the  imagination. 

D— Exactly. 

P — You  mean  that  if  we  can  devise  some  good  trick  we  may 
play  it  on  him. 

D — I  wish  you  would,  without  taking  life  or  limb. 

B— We'll  do  it. 

D — Manage  it  well.  Prince,  you  are  interested.  Give  them 
your  advice. 

PR  P— My  dear  ! 

D — Meet  me  in  two  hours  in  the  chapel.  I  will  go  and  select 
my  wedding  dress.  I  have  a  lot  all  made  up.  She  moves  to  the 
right  door.  Paul  follows  and  tries  to  kiss  her  hand.  She  draws  it 
back.  Not  yet.  At  the  door  she  turns.  God  preserve  you,  gentle- 
men. She  goes  out. 

P — To  Bourn.     Here  he  comes  ;  what  shall  we  do  ? 

B — Let  us  do  something  to-night. 

P— I  have  it. 

Bourn  and  Puck  move  to  the  right  near  Grog.  Fritz  and  Wanda 
in  bridal  costume,  enter  on  the  left.  They  are  accompanied  by  tJie 
lords  and  ladies  of  the  court,  all  carrying  gilt  lanterns. 

FRITZ — Thanks,  gentlemen;  thanks,  ladies.  You  are  very 
kind.  To  Paul  and  associates :  Were  vou  here  in  advance  of  me  ? 


43 

P — Yes,  to  do  you  honor. 

F — Having  done  me  so  much  honor,  you  can  never  do  me  a 
greater  pleasure. 

p — By  taking  our  leave? 

F — Exactly.  Thanks,  gentlemen.  Good-night,  good-n'ght, 
'  gentlemen. 

P — Good-night,  General,  good-night. 

B — Good-night,  Madame. 

THE  OTHERS — Good-night. 
All  except  Fritz  and  Wanda  go  out  by  the  first  door  at  the  left. 

F — Dancing  with  joy.    At  last  we  are  alone. 

WANDA — I'm  glad  of  it. 

F — So  am  I.    He  tries  to  kiss  her. 

W — PusJiing  Mm  away     But  not  for  that. 

F— Shan't  I  have  a  kiss  ? 

W — Don't  tease  me.  Everybody  congratulated  you  at  the 
ball,  now  let  me  congratulate  you,  General. 

F — I'm  not  a  General  to  you. 

W — Yes  you  are. 

F — You  were  engaged  to  a  simple  soldier,  and  you  find  your- 
self the  wife  of  a  victorious  General.  You  are  dazzled. 

W— No. 

F — Yes,  confess  it.  But  I  will  take  off  my  plume  and  trap- 
pings. He  takes  off  his  hat  and  sword-belt,  which  he  places  on  the 
table. 

W — What  are  you  doing  ? 

F- — Just  reassuring  you. 

W — A  funny  way  of  reassuring  people. 

F — Why  not  ?     We  are  married  now. 

W— Yes;  but— 

F— But  what  ?    Do  as  I  do. 

W— How  ? 

F — Take  off  your  armor. 

W— Presently. 

F— Why  not  now?  Because  I  am* a  General?  If  I  were 
only  a  private  soldier,  and  we  were  in  a  simple  cabin,  you  would 
not  hesitate  so.  The  higher  we  get  in  society  the  more  ceremony 
we  make.  Be  re-asssured.  Puts  his  arm  round  her  waist. 

W — Pushing  him  away.  I  am  afraid  of  you.  Drums  are  heard 
under  the  window.  What's  that  ? 

F — I  don't  know.    Drums  beat  again. 

Cries  outside:  Hurrah  for  General  Fritz. 

W — Looking  out.     They  are  calling  for  you. 

F — It's  a  morning  serenade.  They  would  have  come  earlier 
if  we  had  not  stayed  so  late  at  the  ball.  They  must  be  the  drum- 
mers of  my  regiment. 

Noises  outside:  Hurrah  for  General  Fritz  ! 
W— Will  they  never  go  ? 


44 

F — I  must  speak  to  them ;  it  can't  be  helped.  He  goes  to  the 
window  and  opens  it.  Drums  beat  again. 

Cries  outside  -  Hurrah   or  General  Fritz.  / 

F — Gentlemen,  I  am  very  grateful  for  this  honor,  but  you  will 
pardon  me  if  I  am  very  brief.  Perhaps  you  don't  know  this  is  my 
wedding  night,  so  I  have  no  time  to  spare.  Good  night,  gentlemen, 
good  night.  He  throws  out  some  money. 

Cries  outside — Hurrah  for  General  Fritz. 

He  closes  the  window.    Drums  beat  and  are  heard  going  off. 

F — It  did  not  take  long  to  get  rid  of  them.  Now,  my  dear, 
we  are  alone  tor  the  night.  A  little  kiss. 

W — Pushing  him  away.    Go  away. 

F — Why,  you  let  me  kiss  you  before  we  were  married. 

W — It  was  different  then. 

F — Different !  Of  course  it  was  ;  I  had  no  right  io  kiss  you 
then 

W — And  you  have  not  any  now. 

Military  band  under  the  window 

F — Going  to  the  right.  Damn  the  musicians.  I  wish  I  was 
not  so  popular 

Cries  outside. — Hurrah  for  General  Fritz. 

F — It's  the  band  of  my  regiment. 

W — Don't  go  near  the  window. 

F — They  would  stay  there  an  hour.  He  goes  to  the  window. 
Opens  it,  and  bows. 

Cries — Hurrah  for  General  Frifz. 

He  is  bombarded  with  bouquets. 

F — To  Wanda:  You  see  how  they  want  to  compliment  me ? 
I  am  a  great  favorite  among  them. 

She  gathers  the  bouquets  and  puts  them  on  the  table. 

F — Speaking  out  of  the  window :  Gentlemen,  I  thank  you  for 
the  honor,  and  at  some  other  time  I  would  be  glad  to  invite  you 
iu  as  the  musicians  of  my  old  regiment  to  drink  some  wine  with 
me  ;  but  may  be  you  don't  know  that  I  was  married  las  evening, 
so  you  will  understand  when  I  say  good-night,  gentlemen,  good- 
night. Throws  money  t9  them. 

Cries  outside — Hurrah  for  General  Fritz  ! 

F— Looking  out.  They're  going.  He  shuts  the  window,  returns 
to  Wanda.  Puts  his  arm  round  her  waist.  You  are  afraid  of  a 
General,  are  you? 

Violent  knocking  at  tlie  door 

W— Frightened.     What's  that  ? 

Enter  Bourn,  Puck,  Paul,  Grog,  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the  Court, 

Pages,  and  last,  Nepomuck. 
FRITZ — What  does  this  mean  ? 
BOUM — General,  the  enemy  have  resumed  the  offensive. 


45 

F— What  enemy  ? 

B — The  Dickbauck  Coburgs  have  invaded  our  territory. 

F — And  my  bed-chamber  ! 

WANDA — Sobbing.    On  our  wedding  night ! 

PR  PAUL — Business  before  pleasure. 

PUCK — The  Grand  Duchess  was  greatly  disturbed  an  hour  ago 
by  a  messenger  from  the  camp  saying  the  outposts  had  been  driven 
in  and  a  battle  was  imminent. 

B — The  soldiers  demand  the  presence  of  General  Fritz. 

P — The  Grand  Duchess  commands  you  to  start  immediately. 

F — Tell  her  Highness  that  I  will  be  ready  to  start  in  three 
hours.  Captain  Nepomuck  inform  my  staff  that  they  must  be 
ready  in  three  hours.  Looking  at  his  watch.  It  is  now  three  o'clock; 
we  will  start  at  six. 

P — Her  .Highness  said  immediately. 

F — Impossible.     I  must  dress  and  get  something  to  eat. 

P— Low  to  Fritz.     Is  that  all  ? 

N — General,  your  staff  are  all  in  waiting. 

F — It  will  take  an  hour  to  saddle  my  horse. 

N — He  is  at  the  door  ready  for  you  to  mount. 

P — We'll  help  you  to  dress. 

Paul  brings  his  coat  to  him,  and  puts  it  on.  Bourn  brings  the 
sword  belt,  and  helps  him  to  put  it  on.  Puck  brings  the  hat,  and 
puts  it  on. 

F — But  this  is  my  wedding  night.  I  don't  want  to  leave  my 
wife. 

B — We'll  take  care  of  her. 

W — No  such  thing ;  I'll  cry  my  eyes  out. 

F — Don't  cry,  darling ;  I'll  soon  come  back. 

W — I  don't  want  you  to  go.  I  don't  want  you  to  be  a  General, 
if  that's  the  way. 

Nepomuck  goes  out. 

F — I  will  stay.  I  resign  my  office.  General  Bourn,  you  can 
take  command  of  the. army. 

B — Agreed  ;  you  can  stay.  To  the  company.  Let's  go,  and 
leave  them  alone. 

P — Stop.  No  resignation  is  valid  till  accepted  by  her  High- 
ness. If  General  Fritz  refuses  to  obey  orders,  he  is  guilty  of 
treason.  His  services  are  necessary  for  victory. 

F — I  must  go.    He  kisses  Wanda. 

B — Low  to  Puck.  Let  him  resign.  If  he  keeps  his  place  he'll 
bother  us  all  our  lives. 

P — No  he  wont.  We'll  have  our  fun  out,  and  he'll  be  compelled 
to  resign  then. 

A  trumpet  is  heard. 

B— Pulling  Fritz  away^  from  Wanda.  General,  it's  time  to 
start.  The  trumpeter  has  given  his  signal  that  all  is  ready. 


46 

NEPOMUCK — Entering.  By  command  of  her  Highness  I  again 
entrust  to  you  the  sabre  of  her  sire. 

F — Aside,     Plague  take  her,  her  sabre,  and  her  sire. 

Puck,  Bourn,  Paul  and  Grog  push  Fritz  out.  Women  Jwld 
Wanda.  Each  reaching  out  arms  towards  the  other. 

SCENE  III. 

Camp  scene  as  in  Act  I.  Three  tables  amidst  the  tents  ;  one 
at  the  right,  the  other  at  the  left.  Paul,  Bourn,  Puck,  Grog  and 
Nepomuck  at  middle  table  ;  ladies  of  Court  at  other  tables  ;  gen- 
tlemen behind  them.  Tables  covered  with  remnants  of  meal. 
Servants  pour  out  wine. 

Grand  DucJiess  enters  at  right  rear,  followed  by  Maids  of  Honor 


DUCHESS — Gentlemen,  I  salute  you. 

PUCK — Welcome,  your  Highness. 

PRINCE  PAUL — Bushing  to  her  with  a  glass  of  wine.  Permit 
me.  She  takes  it. 

BOUM — We  drink   to  the   health  of  the  august  couple  to  be  « 
married  to-day. 

D — I  will  thank  you  all  to  drink  that  toast  with  me.  They 
all  drink.  Paul  takes  her  glass  and  sets  it  down. 

PR  P — To  DucJiess.     You  make  me  very  happy. 

D — I  want  everybody  to  be  happy  to-day. 

PR  P — And  I  owe  a  great  deal  to  Baron  Grog 

I) — Looking  at  Grog.  What  can  I  do  for  your  advancement  ? 
I  have  already  conferred  all  the  honors  of  my  Court  upon  some- 
body else.  But,  looking  round,  where's  General  Fritz? 

P — He  will  soon  be  here. 

B — We  have  played  a  trick  on  him. 

1> — Anything  besides  breaking  up  his  wedding  night  ?  That 
was  cruel  enough. 

P — We  kept  within  the  limits  of  the  imagination. 

D — Those  may  be  very  extensive,     What  have  you  done  ? 

B — For  several  years,  once  a  week,  I  have  visited  a  married 
lady  who  lives  behind  yonder  hill.  Her  husband  has  lately  become 
suspicious  and  set  a  watch.  So  I  stayed  away,  but  I  sent  General 
Fritz  there  this  morning  before  day,  saying  he  would  find  a  lady 
who  could  tell  him  about  the  enemy.  He  wanted  to  take  his  staff* 
along,  but  I  told  him  it  was  in  our  lines  and  she  would  not  receive 
him  if  he  had  any  escort. 

D— Did  he  go? 

B— Yes  and  he  ought  to  be  back  now, 

Cries  at  a  distance. 

Fritz  enters  dirty,  Uoody,  tattered,  his  plume  broken,  his  epau- 
lettes torn  off,  and  the  sabre  twisted  in  his  hand. 
D — General  what's  the  matfer  ? 


47       '  I  UNIVERSITY 


FRITZ — A  jealous  husband. 

D — On  your  wedding  night. 

WANDA — Oh  the  wretch. 

PR  P — P — ETC — Pointing  at  him.    Oh  fie. 

F — To  Wanda.     Let  me  explain. 

W — Go  away;  I  don't  want  to  hear. 

F — I  went  to  meet  a  lady. 

D — On  your  wedding  night ! 

P — On  his  wedding  night. 

W — I  want  a  divorce. 

P — He's  a  disgrace  to  the  army. 

F — Silence.  If  you  will  listen  a  minute,  you  will  see  I  have 
done  nothing  wrong.  The  lady  had  important  information  about 
the  enemy.  I  went  to  her  chamber. 

W— To  ner  bed  chamber ! 

D — To  her  bed  chamber  ! 

P — On  his  wedding  night  ? 

G — He  ought  to  be  court-martialed. 

F — To  Grog.    And  who  are  you? 

D — General,  do  not  insult  my  friends. 

F — Your  friends  ought  not  to  be  fools.  You're  acting  like  a 
set  of  lunatics,  making  my  wife  believe  I  am  after  another  woman 
on  my  wedding  night. 

D — Do  you  call  me  a  lunatic  ? 

F — I  beg  pardon,  your  Highness.  If  you  will  send  off  these 
people,  and  listen  to  me  for  five  minutes,  I  will  satisfy  you  or  sub- 
mit to  any  punishment  you  inflict. 

PR  P — Send  off  these  people !  These  people  happen  to  include 
the  intended  husband  of  her  highness,  and  this  is  her  wedding  day! 

P — These  people  include  the  trusted  counsellors  of  her  highness. 

D — What  is  your  opinion  Baron  Grog? 

G — I  advise  a  Court  Martial. 

F — I  am  Baron  Von  Bierfoss,  and  a  Court  Martial  cannot  try 
me. 

D — You  are  a  Baron  no  longer. 

F — Nobility  is  all  a  sham  anyhow. 

D — And  is  rank  a  sham  too,  Colonel  ? 

F — Colonel  ?  you  n.ean  General. 

D — No  I  mean  Colonel. 

F— Why  not  Captain  ? 

D — Certainly  or  Lieutenant  if  you  wish. 

F — Let  it  be  Lieutenant. 

D — Sergeant  is  better. 

F — I  never  learned  the  duty  of  that  rank. 

D — Do  you  know  more  about  a  Corporal's  position  ? 

F-  -Not  much  more. 

D — I  congratulate  you  on  restoration  to  the  position  of  full 
private. 


4$: 

B — He  is  not  a  good  private.    He  runs  after  the  girls  too  much. 

F — He  was  always  in  your  way,  and  for  fear  of  being  i  »j  your 
way  again,  would  like  to  have  his  discharge  from  the  army. 

D — You  shall  have  it.  Turning  to  the  others.  I  can  now  dis- 
pose of  these  grades  and  honors  to  those  more  worthy.  She  takes 
the  plume. 

B — Coming  forward.     Thanks,  your  Highness. 

D— For  what  ? 

B — For  restoring  me  to  the  chief  command. 

D— Did  I  say  so  ? 

B — You  were  about  to  give  me  the  plume  again. 

D — I  did  not  think  of  it. 

Bourn  retires  grumbling. 

PR  P — Comes  forward.  I  see  that  your  Highness  intends  to 
overload  me  with  favors. 

D— How  ? 

PR  P — I  will  study  the  military  art. 

D — For  what  purpose  ? 

PR  P — So  that  1  can  command  your  armies. 

D — I  don't  want  you  to  be  called  away  on  your  wedding  night. 

PR  P — No,  that  would  not  suit  me. 

D — I  don't  want  you  to  be  beaten  by  a  jealous  husband  when 
you  go  after  important  information. 

PR  P — Nor  do  I.  But  that  will  not  be  necessary.  I  will 
accept  the  office  as  a  mere  honorary  position. 

D— What  office  ? 

PR  P — General-in-Chief  of  your  armies. 

D — No,  Prince ;  the  duties  of  husband  will  be  sufficient  for 
you. 

PR  P — Why  then  offer  the  plume  to  me  ? 

D— I  do  not  offer  it.  Your  imagination  misled  you.  Baron 
Puck.  Puck  coming  forward  and  kneeling  at  her  feet.  Your  High- 
ness confers  too  much  honor  on  me. 

D — I  think  not.     I  have  found  you  discreet  and  zealous. 

P — Although  the  management  ot  the  military  as  well  as  the 
civil  affairs  of  your  government  will  be  a  great  tax  upon  my 
powers — 

D— How  ? 

P — Since  you  deign  to  confer  the  plume  as  the  symbol  of  chief 
military  command  upon  me. 

D — 1  have  not  said  a  word  of  such  an  intention. 

P — You  called  me  forward.    He  rises. 

D — It  was  merely  to  request  you  in  your  capacity  as  my  min- 
ister and  secretary  to  make  a  note  of  the  fact  that  I  confer  citizen- 
ship in  my  Grand  Duchy  on  Baron  Grog,  hitherto  an  alien  in  my 
domains 

PR  P — Shaking  his  hand.  Baron,  I  congratulate  you  on  the 
honor. 


49 

G — Aside.    I'd  rather  have  a  good  suit  of  clothes. 

D — I  further  confer  upon  Baron  Grog  the  title  of  Baron  von 
Grossbierfoss  ;  and  at  some  future  day  I  will  give  him  a  domain 
suitable  to  the  title. 

PR  p_ Shaking  his  hand  again.  Ah  Baron,  let  me  congratulate 
you.  This  time  you  have  a  generous  sovereign.  To  the  Duchess, 
I  take  these  favors  to  my  advocate  as  special  honors  to  me. 

P— Aside.  Plague  take  the  woman.  I'm  afraid  some  mis- 
chiefs brewing  Has  she  taken  a  fancy  to  Grog  ?  He's  not  a  bad 
specimen  of  a  man. 

D — Holding  up  the  plume.    Baron  Von  Grossbierfoss  ? 

G — Your  Highness. 

D — I  confer  this  plume  upon  you. 

B — In  disgust  aside.  He  don't  know  at  which  end  of  a  cannon 
to  look  for  the  muzzle. 

G — Your  Highness  honors  me  too  much. 

PR  P — Coming  forward  takes  the  hand  of  the  Duchess.  Let  me 
thank  you  again  for  your  kindness  to  my  friend. 

D— Taking  Jier  father's  sabre  from  Nepomuck  and  giving  it  to 
Grog.  Take  charge  of  the  sabre  of  my  sire. 

B— -Aside.    Oh  fury  ! 

P — Aside.  I  don't  see  any  way  of  stopping  this  thing.  It  will 
be  worse  than  when  we  had  Fritz. 

D — To  Grog.  Further  Baron,  I  make  you  my  Prime  Minister, 
and  Baron  Puck  who  is  exhausted  by  long  service  can  recuperate 
himself  by  foreign  travel. 

P — But  your  Highness  I  don't  want  to  travel. 

D — Yes  you  do. 

B — I  think  your  health  would  improve.  He  makes  a  motion 
with  his  finger  across  his  throat,  and  a  satirical  noise,  indicating  that 
Puck  mil  be  hanged  if  he  objects. 

P — Your  Highness  I  would  gladly  travel  abroad,  but  I  can  not 
afford  it. 

D — I  will  make  an  extra  allowance  of  ten  dollars  a  month  to 
you  out  of  my  private  purse. 

F — Low  to  Puck.  You  can  enjoy  the  scenery  much  better 
when  you're  a-foot. 

.    P — Low  to  Fritz.    So  you  must  kick  me,  too,  now  that  I  am 
down. 

F — Low  to  Puck.    Turn  about  is  fair  play. 

PR  P — To  Duchess.  I  understand  the  delicate  compliment 
which  you  pay  me  on  my  wedding  day  by  placing  the  chief  officer 
in  charge  of  my  advocate  and  friend. 

G — Your  Highness  has  placed  me  under  everlasting  obliga- 
tion. I  accept  the  offices  conferred  upon  me. 

PR  P — To  Grog.  You  must  make  your  home  here  and  send 
at  once  for  your  wife. 

D— His  what  ? 


50 

PR  P— His  wife. 

D — I  did  not  know  lie  had  a  wife.' 

PR  P — Yes,  and  three  children. 

G — That  does  not  matter.  I  can  serve  your  Highness  as 
well. 

D — And  you  concealed  all  this  from  me? 

G — Your  Highness. 

D — Why  then  did  you  try  to  make  yourself  agreeable  to  me? 

G — But,  your  Highness  ! 

D — Not  a  word.  I  never  saw  such  hateful  men.  Give  me  hack 
that  plume.  Grog  takes  off  his  hat  ruefully.  She  snatches  tlw 
plume  General  Bourn.  Bourn  comes  forward  radiant.  Kneel 
down.  He  kneels.  She  places  the  plume  in  his  hat.  I  rejoice  to 
restore  my  trusty  old  servant  to  his  former  rank  as  commander  of 
my  army. 

B — Thanks.  He  rises  and  struts  about.  Aside.  I'll  have  the 
cursed  thing  soldered  in  this  time. 

D — I  restore  Baron  Puck  to  the  position  of  Prime  Minister. 

P — A  thousand  thanks. 

D — To  Grog.  I'll  take  that  corkscrew.  Pointing  at  the  sabre. 
He  returns  it.  She  gives  it  to  Nepomuck.  To  Nepomuck  Sell  it 
for  old  iron.  Don't  let  me  ever  see  it  again.  I  dont  want  to  be 
reminded — looking  at  Grog — 

G— Of  Baron  Grog. 

D — That's  so.    Nor  of —    Looking  at  Fritz. 

F— Nor  of  General  Fritz. 

D — That  so  ?   To  Fritz.    I  thought  you  were  in  a  hurry  to  go. 

F — I  have  a  favor  to  ask. 

D — Speak  it  out. 

F — I  would  like  the  appointment  of  schoolmaster  in  my 
native  village  of  Frauenlieb. 

D — It's  your's. 

PR  P— And  what  is  mine  ? 

D — Didn't  I  always  say  you  were  to  be  my  husband  ?  And 
this  is  my  wedding  day.  She  takes  his  wrm. 

P — This  is  a  happy  ending  of  long  wooing. 

D — When  we  can't  get  what  we  want,  we  must  take  what  we 
can  get. 

Green  Curtain  falls. 


m 


